The department dealing with blight was established during the Garofalo administration.
During Mayor Staffieri’s administration, a decision was made to add fines to blighted properties, but that administration never followed through with ensuring that the homeowners actually remediated the blight.
Often, fines built up but no work was ever done on the house, nor was the fine enforced.
Although the Board of Apportionment and Taxation, of which Sam Pollastro is a member (despite making only 9 of 30 meetings), funded the Blight Department, Mayor Staffieri never effectively attacked the problem.
When Mayor Dugatto took office, she established a committee specifically for the purpose of dealing with blight. This committee gave teeth to the Blight Department and the members of both, work hand in hand to deal with blighted properties.
We just do not fine an owner, we work with them to effectively remove the blight and remediate the property.
Since the establishment of Mayor Dugatto’s Blight Subcommittee, we have torn down three blighted properties.
Through the passing of an ordinance, the Board of Aldermen instituted the Clean and Lien Program, whereby the City Building Inspectors can go onto private property with proper notification, address the blight issues and bill the homeowner in the form of a lien on the property which is held until the cost of remediation is repaid.
We additionally instituted a “Derby Cares” program. Residents who are having difficulty maintaining their property due to a variety of extenuating circumstances can ask for help.
Assuming they meet the prescribed qualifications, assistance will be given.
Lastly, let me say this administration has collected $118,650.00 in blight fines and settlements.
This administration has done more in 22 months with blight than Mayor Staffieri did in eight years. It is a pleasure to work alongside city Facility Inspectors, Andy Cota and Jim Watson, and Building Official, Carlo Sarmiento.
Together, we are making Derby a better, more beautiful place to live.
Carmen DiCenso
Chairman of the Aldermanic Blight Committee
The writer is running for re-election on the Democratic Party line to represent Derby’s Third Ward on the Board of Aldermen.
Views expressed in guest columns are the writer’s opinion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Valley Indy.
