VACANT HOUSES Plan seeks a city list of brokers

When a problem crops up, city officials don't know whom to contact.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A councilman thinks brokers who maintain vacant houses in the city should be required to register.
When a financial institution or mortgage company assumes ownership of a house that's in foreclosure or bankruptcy, a broker or maintenance company is assigned responsibility to maintain and secure the structure.
But a sticker on the front door or a placard in the window is the only thing that identifies what company is responsible for which house. Even those postings often don't include an address or phone number.
"If there's a break-in or a burglary or some kind of emergency, the police don't know who to call," said Councilman Alford L. Novak, D-2nd.
Likewise, when grass needs to be cut or leaves are piling up, the city's health department doesn't know whom to call to get the work done.
This time of year, the brokers are more visible, winterizing houses and ensuring utilities have been turned off, the councilman said.
Gives city information
By requiring these companies to register, the police, building and health departments would know whom to call if problems arise. It would also allow the income tax department to pursue the appropriate tax collections.
Companies that do business with the city are required to register with the city income tax department.
Novak said that legislation is necessary to require registration and that he hopes to meet with representatives of the law department.
The registration proposal is the latest effort in the city's ongoing battle with vacant houses and buildings.
The city's chief building inspector has said he's searching for a solution to deal with individuals who strip vacant houses of anything of value. Thieves often take woodwork, glass, fixtures and siding shortly after it is vacated.
Chris Taneyhill, the inspector, posted on one house a warning to would-be thieves that the property was under surveillance and that any unauthorized person who enters could be guilty of criminal trespass. The sign also urges anyone witnessing suspicious activity at the house to call police or the building department.
denise_dick@vindy.com