Print ArticleThe next 12 months are poised to see significant changes in the Springfield historic district with a number of projects, policy, and trends that could have a huge impact on our transitioning community... or not. No matter the outcome, here's what to keep an eye on in 2014.
(2) Councilman Lumb's legislation to help potential renovators
For over a year, At-Large Group 5 City Councilman Robin Lumb has been examining the issue of how to get vacant, derelcit properties with mountains of accumulated code violation fines into the hands of property owners willing to renovate. Today, the owners of these properties have little incentive to sell or rehab them: the sum of fines inhibit owners from investing in their property, which are often underwater, and these fines even stick with the property upon sale to a new owner. Not exactly appealing to most potential buyers. Time is ticking down on Lumb's first term, and despite all the talk, no legislation has been introduced to resolve it. Is this the year?
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