Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Atlantic County hosts Presentation to Help Communities Address Abandoned Properties - Sept. 16

Atlantic County will host a special presentation for municipal officials and community members to address the problem of home foreclosures and abandoned properties.

Many Atlantic County communities are struggling with the problem of abandoned and foreclosed properties that are no longer being maintained, according to County Executive Dennis Levinson.

“The properties become eyesores for their communities and lower the value of adjacent properties,” said Levinson. “If the properties continue to be neglected they may become targets of vandalism and be inhabited by squatters and drug dealers. They also are at risk to be looted for materials to sell to scrap dealers. All of which makes it even more difficult for a community to recover from an economic setback.”

The special presentation will be held on Wednesday, September 16 at 10:30 AM at the Anthony “Tony” Canale Training Center, 5033 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township. Representatives from Community Champions will discuss how municipalities can manage problem properties and ensure that they remain compliant with municipal codes and regulations.

Community Champions has experience in assisting municipalities through a property registry that allows them to proactively track down responsible parties that may include individuals, banks and mortgage companies.

“There is no cost to participating towns,” noted Levinson. “This service will help to maintain a community’s positive image, financial health and safety, and established quality of life.”

To register to attend, please contact Jacque Dewees at (609) 343-2201.

County News