Darice Toon, DirectorDivision of Community Development
30 Montgomery Street, Suite 404Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
About 850 vacant properties in Jersey City Properties are monitored on an on-going basis by Code
Enforcement. Comprehensive files are maintained on all vacant
properties. Properties are scattered throughout the City Highest concentrations are in lower income sections
of the City.
Created a Vacant Building Registration Fee Ordinance
which took effect on October 15, 2011.1. Property owners must pay a $250.00 fee initially
and $500.00 subsequently.2. Enables the City to obtain relevant information
about property owners.3. Allows the City to issue summonses to owners who
fail to register their property.4. Compels owners to maintain their property.5. Helps to generate revenue to cover some costs
associated with monitoring vacant properties.
Great Vacant Building Count Collaborative effort between City
agencies, community groups, block associations and grassroots organizations.
Inter-departmental cooperation between Community Development, Code Enforcement, Law Department, Mayor’s Office and Fire Department.
Focus: Utilize the expertise of Key City Stakeholders. Maximize the use of APRA tools.
Contracted with an attorney who specializes in condemnations.
Contracted with an appraisal company and title search company.
Dedicated funds for acquisition, rehabilitation and demolition of vacant/abandoned properties.
Comprised of: Municipal agencies and
divisions Ex: Police, Fire, Code
Enforcement, Community Development, Public Works, Resident Response Center, Incinerator Authority, Health & Human Services
Private organizations Ex: PSE&G and United Water
Focus: Secures properties and maintains quality of life for residents.
Collected $367,000 in vacant building registration fees to date.
Closed 397 vacant building cases since December 2011 due to demolitions, rehabilitation and re-occupancy.
Reduced the number of abandoned properties on the City’s published list from 56 to 36 properties due to aggressive Code Enforcement efforts.
Tagged 259 properties with Jersey City Fire Department placards.
Attended Court on 174 vacant building cases this year alone.
Aggressive and consistent code enforcement.
Issuing summonses and violation notices for inspections.
Consistent re-issuance of notices if violations are unabated.
Posting red placards on properties to identify the condition.
Educating the Municipal Court about the City’s Vacant Buildings Ordinance and obtaining cooperation from the legal system.
Maintaining a good database with current owner contact information.
Making use of the Creditor Responsibility Act to issue notices of violations to banks.
Using a coordinated approach for tracking vacant /abandoned properties. (Quality of Life Task Force)
Systematically assessing the City’s Vacant Buildings Inventory (Code Enforcement and Fire Dept).
Requiring better board-ups of properties, especially bank owned properties.
Housing Court – The same judge hears about 95% of the cases involving vacant building issues.
HCDNNJ – Assisted with:1. Providing sample legislation.2. Providing guidance on the use of APRA tools.3. Providing information on best practices in
other communities.4. Serving as a resource for information related
to vacant property matters.5. Facilitating municipal collaborations.6. Preparing legislation to help facilitate
vacant/abandoned property initiatives.
Jersey City is a desirable location where people are interested in living and investing.
We have stable communities throughout the City.
Vacant properties depress values and de-stabilize communities.
Important to maintain the overall economic and social well-being of your community.
Increase ratables and maintain stable and aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods.
In order to get results, it is important that you: Collaborate with other key stakeholders.
(Courts, Police Dept., Code Enforcement, etc.)
Be consistent and diligent when dealing with property owners.
Persistently monitor the inventory of properties.
Make use of tools available through APRA and other legislation.
Take advantage of available resources, such as the HCDNNJ and CCP.
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