Nj future redevelopment forum 2014 problem properties mallach
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Transcript of Nj future redevelopment forum 2014 problem properties mallach
CHOOSING THE RIGHT OPTIONS FOR PROBLEM PROPERTIES
ALAN MALLACH
CENTER FOR COMMUNITY PROGRESS
NJ FUTURE
2014 REDEVELOPMENT FORUM
VACANT PROPERTIES ARE A GROWING PROBLEM
Newark East Orange Trenton Paterson Jersey City0.00%
2.00%
4.00%
6.00%
8.00%
10.00%
12.00%
14.00%
16.00%
20002010
NEWARK AREA 2011
TRENTON 2011
VACANT PROPERTY IMAGES
Paterson
Trenton
VACANT PROPERTY IMAGES
Newark
Camden
HOW DO YOU ADDRESS YOUR COMMUNITY’S PROBLEM PROPERTY ISSUES?
Understand the issue: problem properties are not just about the property – they are part of the larger economic and social dynamics affecting the neighborhood and the city
Think strategically: There is no single ‘magic bullet’, and no quick fix, to the issue of problem properties.
NINE ELEMENTS OF A VACANT PROPERTY STRATEGY
1. Information2. Regulation3. Strategic
acquisition4. Land banking5. Partnering with
developers6. Encouraging
home buyers
7. Strategic demolition8. Encouraging
green reuse of vacant land
9. Building community partnerships
INFORMATION
• Know the market• Know the property inventory• Know the players
REGULATION
• Enact vacant property registration ordinances
• Use code enforcement strategically
• Use nuisance abatement when owners are unwilling to maintain their properties
• Use the Creditor Responsibility Law to deal with properties in foreclosure process
STRATEGIC ACQUISITION
• Create a municipal abandoned property list
• Use tax foreclosure as a strategic tool• Use spot blight eminent domain• Have an acquisition strategy – make limited resources count
LAND BANKING
• Build the capacity in local government to acquire, hold and systematically dispose of properties
• Maintain publicly-owned properties so they do not become a nuisance to neighbors.
• Don’t be afraid to hold properties in inventory in order to make possible better reuse in the future
PARTNERING WITH DEVELOPERS
• Make reuse and redevelopment user-friendly
• Build city capacity to assemble parcels for reuse
• Make all city approvals timely and efficient
• Provide incentives where necessary
• Link redevelopment to other community improvements
ENCOURAGE HOME BUYERS
• Create home buying & rehab support system
• Speed permitting and approvals
• Provide incentives where necessary• Focus on target neighborhoods for selective vacant property rehab initiatives
STRATEGIC DEMOLITION
• Make demolition part of a larger vacant property strategy
• Target demolition resources to create reuse
opportunities and
stabilize at-risk
neighborhoods
ENCOURAGE GREEN REUSE
• Many vacant lots, particularly in weak market areas, are not suitable for redevelopment
• Create menu of green reuse alternatives• Partner with homeowners, neighborhood groups and CDCs to get properties used
for side lots, community gardens
and other green options.
BUILD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
• Cities can’t do it by themselves – not enough capacity or money
• Neighborhood associations and CDCs are natural allies for city government – they care about their communities
• Make everybody a partner in the process of tackling the community’s problem properties.