Vacant Homes
A vacant home next door or across the street can be a very challenging situation.” We do not want these homes to become an “unattractive nuisances.” If tramps and gangs of criminals see signs that no one is home, they may surmise that the house is vacant and ideal for looting and all sorts of nefarious activities.Residents often complain that boarded up houses have been rifled by the looters who have taken appliances, pipes and gadgets. “The more unkempt the building looks the more the structure will attract criminals. Last month's newsletter warned about not removing junk mail from storm doors and old newspapers and phone books from the front of your home. This could make someone surmise you are out of town or your home is vacant and ripe for break-in.Clean the lots of Vacant Homes on your block.One of your Earth Day block club/ neighbor's volunteer work days should be to clean the lots of vacant homes on your block.What you can do:1. Monitoring: Keep an eye on vacant homes; check daily! Look for signs of break-ins. Check to see that windows and doors are secure. Also make sure no graffiti is left on home. Clean it off or paint it out!2. Call 311 and ask that an inspector be sent to location to enforce the City’s Code for boarded up homes. Call number on any posted signs also. Vacant houses may no longer be secured by plywood.
For example, doors and windows can be boarded up with plywood only for the first six months of vacancy. After that owners must replace plywood with expensive steel panels or install steel windows and doors or a burglar alarm— A large sign also must be posted identifying the owner and the person or company responsible for the property's condition.
3. Besides cutting grass and weeds if the city or owner does not secure home (it is so dangerous to have it unsecured) I would put plywood back up. DO NOT NAIL. Use screws or bolts to attach this will make it more difficult for boards to be crowbared off. If you are not already a member, of your block club or neighborhood organization please consider becoming a member in the month of April, in honor of Earth Day! We need your support to continue our vital work of improving the place were we live. So we can all say together "Wow, what a great place to live!"
--If you already are a member, Thank You again for your continued support!—
