A recent report discusses the City of Springfield MA (01101-09,01111,01115,01118-19,01128-29,01133,01138-39,01144,01151-52,01195,01199) taking court action to address unsecured vacant buildings, littered and overgrown lots and unregistered cars, dubbed Operation Clean Sweep.

For a list of the current of the current properties brought to the court's attention please click on the following Excel file.

 Springfield MA.xls

To run a property report for Springfield MA properties housed in the Safeguard database please click on the following link.

Springfield MA "Operation Clean Sweep"
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Dubbed "Operation Clean Sweep," the city took court action yesterday against the owners of 70 properties, designed to crack down on unsecured vacant buildings, littered and overgrown lots and unregistered cars.

It marked the third time in less than a year that the Office of Housing Code Enforcement took a similar large-scale action in Western Division Housing Court, obtaining orders that allow the city to board and secure buildings and to clean lots when the owners do not. In addition, the city was authorized in most cases to place liens to recover all costs, officials said.

Similar large-scale filings occurred in May and last September, and another package is anticipated this fall. "It represents our continuing efforts to keep abandoned properties and vacant lots clean and secure," Kathleen A. Lingenberg, the city's director of housing and neighborhood services said yesterday.

The properties targeted are from all over the city, she said.

Of the 70 cases, just a few owners appeared in court yesterday to respond to the city's complaints. In those cases, agreements were reached with the owners to address the problems cited and to schedule reinspections.

Lisa C. DeSousa, associate city solicitor, said the court orders are having an effect, as the city has been boarding and securing many buildings and cleaning many lots while seeking reimbursement of costs through the lien process.

"Right now, it is really important we do this work and keep these lots from becoming dumping grounds," DeSousa said. "Some of these are in the middle of residential neighborhoods. No one should have to live like this."

The city was granted permission, as requested, to enter problem properties multiple times this fall to enforce the orders rather than have to return to Housing Court each time, Lingenberg said.

"It's astonishing how many of these properties are where no one is taking responsibility," DeSousa said. "The most effective way to get the city cleaned is for the owners of properties to get them cleaned."

The city worked with Housing Court Assistant Clerk Karen-Ann Huntoon in coordinating the court action and orders, officials said.

In May, the city presented 118 cases in Housing Court, and previously brought 83 cases last September.

The liens also allow the city to recover the cost of serving notice to the owners and recording the lien, Lingenberg said.

It makes sense to band the cases together and then follow up to ensure the work is done to correct the violations," Lingenberg said.

"From an administrative standpoint, it's much more efficient," Lingenberg said. "From a quality of life perspective, it shows the prioritization."

To view the online article please click on the following link.

Springfield MA "Operation Clean Sweep"