CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) -
A local leader is working to maintain property values and safety in Cincinnati neighborhoods.
Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld introduced a new initiative on Tuesday to restore communities affected by blight.
The 'Restoring Our Communities Initiative' (ROCI) includes a legislative push at the state and local level, aimed at helping neighborhoods in the Tri-State. Proposed as part of the initiative is Ohio Senate Bill 16, which Sittenfeld says would allow residents to clean up vacant lots without getting a penalty for trespassing.
If the bill passes, it would only apply to cleaning properties
during daylight hours, and the landowner would not be held responsible
if someone is injured on their property during remediation.
"The Restoring Our Communities Initiative is
another step in the right directions towards keeping our neighborhoods safe and
vibrant." Sittenfeld said, "Blight is a complicated issue that impacts many
aspects of life and I think this plan helps attack the problem from several
angles."
The city will demolish abandoned homes in five neighborhoods with the most need this year, including Price Hill. Homes closest to schools will be the top priority.
"It's not
just about blight but about safety and especially safety of the youngest
members of our community," said Sittenfeld.
The proposal passed through Cincinnati City Council on Tuesday and is now making its way to the state for approval.
Sittenfeld
also says he's pushing his vacant foreclosed property program to hold banks
more accountable for the vacant properties they own.
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