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County tightens policy on razing dilapidated houses
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - February 09, 2011)
County tightens policy on razing dilapidated houses
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
There will be no more free rides for owners who can afford to tear down dilapidated homes in Geauga County.
Geauga County Commissioners voted unanimously last week to revise a policy for a program that was intended to remove dangerous and dilapidated buildings within the county.
Anita Stocker, Geauga's community development director, told commissioners last week the policy has been changed to address concerns that commissioners had expressed regarding a program that provided public funds to assist in the demolition of homes, regardless of the financial status of the property owners.
Previously, funds were provided for the demolition of buildings that were deemed to be a nuisance. The county paid the entire bill for the work, even for property owners who could afford to do the work themselves.
The program was the target of criticism from some residents and the commissioners themselves. Some of it was directed at a house owned by Chardon Board of Education member Larry Reiter on Mulberry Road in Munson.
"It helps the neighborhood and the people who live there, but when they can afford it, you've got to say wait a minute," Commissioner Mary Samide said. "The board wants to make sure it really makes sense."
Ms. Stocker said those who do not fall within low-income brackets will be provided loans and are expected to pay 100 percent of the costs for the demolition under the new policy.
She said there will be no interest charged to those who have the financial means to pay for the work. However, she said, her office is willing to work on a payment plan if a homeowner requests one.
Ms. Stocker said the ultimate goal is to make sure the homes come down properly.
She said the program will continue to assist those who fall into the lower-income brackets, although, if the property is sold within five years of the demolition, the county will recoup some of its money from the sale.
The program will target those homes that are in the lower income, higher-density areas, such as Kiwanis Lake in Newbury and Chagrin Falls Park in Bainbridge. The fear is that an unsafe home in a high-density area poses a threat to surrounding homes. One of those threats is that it becomes a haven for vandals. The program is a voluntary, meaning that property owners must agree to participate.
The financial status of the homeowner is determined through income surveys that are conducted in narrow areas, Ms. Stocker said. She said U.S. Census information provides an incomplete picture of the finances of an area, because higher-income properties surrounding a lower-income area tend to elevate the overall financial picture.
Ms. Stocker said many of those who might be eligible do not respond to letters sent to them.
County Administrator David Lair said people in the Kiwanis Lake area may be hesitant to participate because many of the properties there are grandfathered. If the home is demolished, he said, they fear they will be unable to build again and their land values will plummet.
He said the most likely believe they can fix up the homes and make money.
Ms. Stocker said in addition to cooperation with the property owner, homes that will be demolished must receive recommendations from two county officials and one recommendation from the community.
Commissioner Tracy Jemison said the board did not want only one opinion on the condition of the home to determine eligibility.
Mrs. Samide questioned whether two homes slated for free demolition in Munson Township would be required to abide by the new rules.
Ms. Stocker said owners of those homes will have to apply for the 100-percent payback loan. She said townships will be notified of the change in policy.
Mr. Jemison said townships also can act to remove dilapidated homes, although the process may take a while. He said the township can demolish homes and put the cost on the homeowners' taxes.
Mrs. Samide said the program is now much fairer, based on a person's ability to pay. "They still get a good deal and it's a win for everybody," she said.
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