Derby may create a program that connects problem properties to volunteers willing to clean them up.
Tentatively called “DerbyCARES,” the program would be another tool to combat blight in Derby.
Blight’s a major issue in Derby.
The city already maintains a blight list — that is, a list of dilapidated properties that pose a potential threat to neighborhoods.
Owners who don’t address blight issues face fines of $100 a day.
Aldermen also recently passed a “clean and lien” law that gives the city the ability to hire contractors to clean up the worst of the worst. And the city has been pressuring owners of abandoned and unsafe structures to tear them down.
But “DerbyCARES” would not be punitive.
“I want to show the other side of the city,” said Art Gerckens, president of the Derby Board of Aldermen.
The idea is to help Derby residents, particularly the elderly, who are having a hard time maintaining their properties. The idea was discussed at a Board of Aldermen subcommittee meeting March 10.
There are no specifics about the program, as the discussion March 10 was just the start.
But city officials talked about volunteers being used to cut grass, making dump runs and other light maintenance.
Gerckens stressed the city and its workers wouldn’t be involved directly. Instead, the city would act as a conduit between volunteers and the properties.
“I think there are enough caring people in this town and enough volunteer organizations that would be willing to help,” Gerckens said.
The issue is being researched by the Derby corporation counsel. A program like the one in consideration already exists in East Haven.
Derby Building Official Carlo Sarmiento said he was involved in a similar volunteer program in Milford some 20 years ago.
He said the idea was raised at a City Hall task force meeting, comprised of a few department heads.
Alderman Carmen DiCenso asked whether there would be limits on such a program. He worried absentee landlords who collect rent while allowing their Derby properties to rot would benefit.
Alderman Ron Sill said such issues could be worked out once the program is launched, assuming it gets the support of the full Board of Aldermen.
Sarmiento agreed.
“I think we’re targeting the elderly, someone that perhaps doesn’t have the ability to cut the grass. I don’t think we would target absentee landlords. But, if the volunteers are willing to do that, why not?” he said.
Christina DiMartino, a volunteer who helps run the annual Derby High School post prom activities, said the city could look to the school for volunteers.
Mayor Anita Dugatto also said she supported the program.
“I’m all for the city connecting people,” she said.
