PEABODY — Responding to concerns about abandoned and dilapidated homes in Peabody neighborhoods, Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr. last week unveiled a new program to bring blighted properties back up to code.
“Abandoned homes are not just unsightly but they pose a real threat to public safety,” said Bettencourt in a statement. “The vast majority of homeowners take good care to maintain their property and should not be penalized or put in danger by those who are either unable or unwilling to do the same.”
Bettencourt tasked Building Commissioner Albert Talarico with constructing a list of “problem properties” within the city. Problem properties include those which have fallen into disrepair and for which there has been no response from the owner of record when the city sought repairs.
After conducting a title search on each property, the building commissioner typically provides notice to all parties who may have an interest in the conditions of their property and allows them to make the necessary repairs to avoid a receivership action. If the parties in interest are unable or unwilling to make the necessary repairs at the property, the city solicitor will petition the appropriate court to enforce the state sanitary code and for the appointment of a receiver.
In this initiative, third-party receivers will be appointed designated abandoned property and will take on the full responsibility of their new property.
“Third-party receivers are typically vetted and recommended by our outside counsel or from the city solicitor with the recommendation from the building and community development departments. They’re generally contractors or developers with a good track record and the financial backing to complete the work,” Talarico said. “Although having experience in the receivership process helps, it’s not a prerequisite. Ultimately the court reviews their credentials and will decide whether to approve them.”
Two properties have been submitted to the court for receivership: 16 Warren St. and 12 Samoset Road.
Dorothy Irrera can be reached at [email protected].
