Pine Point is a great neighborhood, and it is the area that I live in.  However, it is upsetting to see so many abandoned homes in this area, lowering property values and community pride for everyone.

My plan to combat blight will be two-fold.  First, we can use TARP funds to pay for the demolition of unwanted abandoned properties currently in the neighborhood, then divide the left-over property among the neighbors on either side.  This will increase everyone’s property size, and help to raise your property values.  This plan is currently working in the Midwestern US.

Secondly, before a property can be foreclosed upon (and thereby abandoned), I would institute a fee on banks to file a special “intent to foreclose”.  This fee would cover the cost of code enforcement on the banks’ properties, without impacting the city budgets.  The banks will also be responsible for maintaining the property up to code, or face a stiff penalty.  This program is very successful in Marlborough, MA

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