Lansdale Borough officials voted to recommend council seek outside help to draft a long-discussed code update meant to address vacant properties. During the code committee meeting on Oct. 2, director of community development Jason Van Dame said some municipalities use an outside company to help develop the details of a vacant property ordinance. Then, after the ordinance is enacted, the same company assists borough staff in contacting property owners and documenting how long properties have been vacant for a possible fee or fine. The fees or fines would be set by council, and the proceeds split with the company. Code committee chairwoman Rafia Razzak said, “We’re not going to try to penalize people. We are going to try to set a standard, and try to help.” Borough council and several of its committees have discussed vacancies on Main Street for several years following the closures of a variety of downtown businesses. Visit the Lansdale Borough website for specific meeting information.
Source: The Reporter; 10/18/2024