Report A Vacancy
Why Reporting Matters:
Your assistance is notifying the Borough of vacant properties is extremely valuable. Some vacant properties are severely dilapidated and need to be demolished. Some vacancies should be boarded up to prevent safety concerns or vandalism. Some vacancies are aesthetically undesirable. The Borough is aware of these various issues. We will strive to take corrective action and rectify these issues.
Reporting a vacancy is helpful for the Borough. Even if action may not be immediately undertaken towards a visible remedy, your report helps in several key ways. The Borough can take steps to monitor the property. The Borough can look into remediation options. The Borough can track development or progress at the property. Lastly, vacant properties must now be registered in the Borough so that we can take measures to prevent safety concerns, hazards and other issues from arising in these locations.
Research
The publication below provides valuable insight on the true cost of abandoned properties:
Understanding the True Costs of Abandoned Properties| Aaron Klein | January 2017
On quantifying costs of vacant structures: “These costs may appear self evident at first – the reduction in property value for the building, for neighbors, for the community – but they are often broader than commonly appreciated: major costs stem from increased crime and arson generated from abandoned properties.”
Four effects of deteriorated properties: “1. Reduction in property value of surrounding homes 2. Increased crime 3. Increased probability of fire 4. Reduced tax base for local governments”