Judgement Day for Mr. Naumann

[Dave Sharosky]

I'm directing this to Suzanne Metelko or anyone working for LO:

Per the previous piece done about the Lakewood Landlord, Rick Naumann, I was wondering if you received any answers to the questions you posted at the end of the article - "Which leads to another question – if properties are dilapidated and in arrears, can the city pursue them? Is this a development opportunity? What is the city’s policy? Planning Director Tom Jordon was out of the office and unavailable for comment."

Also, has he served his time? Fixed the violations? Paid back taxes? What's the status in regards to the new policy Judge Carroll enacted on knowing about all the violations? Has it been effective?

It's an interesting piece.

Thanks,

Dave

[Brian Pedaci]

Dave - take a look at Stan Austin's report on the 7/2 council meeting:

Several items under old business topped the agenda.

The first was an ordinance to establish a land bank. This was addressed in a report from the finance committee. The purpose of a land bank according to Planning Director Thomas Jordan is to transform tax delinquent properties which might include unoccupied, dilapidated houses, vacant buildings and open, empty lots into tax generating properties. Under the proposed ordinance the City would be able to hold land donated from other governmental entities as well as private individuals for future development needs. Procedures for acquiring the land from sheriff’s auction are outlined under the ordinance.

The committee, chaired by Seelie (ward three) cites four advantages to this program. First, Lakewood can ensure that tax-foreclosed property is sold or developed with the long-term interest of the community and surrounding property owners in mind. Second, the City can provide a marketable title to properties previously impossible to develop due to complicated liens and confused ownership histories. Third, land bank programs are useful to safeguard healthy communities from deterioration. And, fourth, the land bank would allow Lakewood to overcome legal structures that restrain rather than foster the conversion of public land and private liens on private land into performing assets.

The ordinance was passed.

Does this answer the question sufficiently for you?

[Dave Sharosky]

Thanks Brian. That answers part of it. Still interested in the outcome of the landlord and Judge Carrol's policy.