Apr 9, 2008 4:23 pm US/Eastern
New Program Helps Clean Up Homes In Worcester Area
WORCESTER (WBZ) ―
Worcester isn't waiting for federal help. It's one of the first cities in the nation with a program to prevent foreclosures from turning it into a blighted, crime-ridden city.
Dan Cahill, nuisance inspector for the City of Worcester, takes us on a tour of properties putting people next door in purgatory after owners or banks walk away, leaving rubbish, rodents and other building blocks of blight behind. "It's disgusting. Look at it."
Cahill is one of three nuisance inspectors who hit the streets of Worcester this month armed with lists of properties left in limbo. "What the nuisance is here… This is public health, safety, with all the trash…. Kids could get in here."
The Problem Property Patrol is part of Worcester's "S.A.V.E. Our Neighborhoods" plan created because of the mortgage foreclosure epidemic.
S.A.V.E. stands for stabilize, assist, value and enforce.
"Vigilance is the key," said Worcester City Manager Michael O'Brien. "We're obviously concerned 'cause this is a national crisis. To date, we've been effective."
"We issue a 10-day warning," said Cahill. "It's an order to repair violations. They don't do that, we have the ability to fine or refer the property to court or both."
Julian Pultorak rakes his yard and washes his car as the abandoned house across Litchfield Street gets a visit from the nuisance inspector. "We're glad to see things are movin'. We're gonna get this place cleaned-up finally," he said.
Part of the reason the neighbors are glad to see the nuisance inspector at foreclosed properties is because this place, this neighborhood, is their home too.
One neighbor shows us an abandoned garage on Woodland Street where police have found unregistered vehicles, while the homeowner across the street has trash in the yard.
"Your place is a diamond in the rough," said Ron Sanders. "What are your hopes for this street?"
"Well, I hope it stays vibrant and alive and safe and sound and affordable," the neighbor said.
Which is how the city is trying to keep itself.
There are more than 4,200 mortgages in Worcester already foreclosed, in the process or at risk of foreclosure.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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