To the editor…
In 2019, I pledged on the campaign trail that if elected, I would work toward getting an effective and clear, yet compassionate, blight ordinance to the RTM. When we first introduced it, there was general acceptance, but also some questions and concerns. So, a special RTM committee was formed to address all concerns and questions. That committee has concluded its work and the proposal will be brought before the RTM at this month’s meeting on Monday night. I believe the Town will benefit greatly from this proposal.
The proposed ordinance takes into consideration the various reasons that a property owner may be falling behind on the maintenance of his or her property, but also, finally, proposes to give the Town the necessary tools to ensure that residents living next to these properties are not held captive to blighted properties that affect both their home value and quality of life. It also seeks to prevent a loss of tax revenue to the Town that results when neighbors of these unsightly properties apply for tax abatements that affect the bottom line of the whole Town, not just the impacted neighborhoods.
Again, a special thank you to the committee members who worked on our ordinance presented at the end of 2020 and have made it an even better proposal for the RTM to vote on.
See you all on Monday night…!
Fred Camillo
First Selectman
Town of Greenwich
