Blight & Beautification Council Formed – 7/8/2009

Posted by Bob on July 8, 2009 under Daily Blogs | Read the First Comment

The Naugatuck Board of Mayor and Burgesses unanimously approved the creation of a Blight and Beautification Council at Tuesday’s (7/7/2009) Borough Board meeting.  The Council will address the following questions and/or issues:

1. Current blight laws and/or lack thereof -  What does Naugatuck current law provide?  What language should be used to create a new blight ordinance?  What are the successes and failures of existing blight ordinances in similar communities?
2. Enforcement -What are current enforcement methods?  How successful are current enforcement options?  How will the Borough enforce any new blight laws or ordinances?  Who should be responsible for enforcement efforts in whole or in part?
3. Resources -  What existing resources are used for enforcement?  How much would enforcement of any new laws or ordinances cost?  What is the cost of any marketing or educational campaigns?
4. Education -  How can we educate residents and businesses to keep their properties clean and free from blight?  How can we spread the message of keeping our community clean through our schools and community groups and organizations?  What is the correlation between a clean community and economic factors such as property values and the ability to attract businesses?
5. Beautification -  What groups and/or efforts have been successful in improving the image of our community (i.e. Naugatuck Garden Club,  Scouts, Earth Day Clean-Ups, Gateway Sponsorships and Signage, etc.)?  How can we encourage property owners to take more pride in their properties (i.e. Beautification Awards)?  Should there be any common themes and/or unification of effort to existing beautification endeavors?  How do we increase awareness of and appreciate for beautification efforts through education?

The Council is not intended to become a “witch hunt” or impose unreasonable expectations during difficult economic times.  Creative solutions, clean neighborhoods and common sense are the goals for which we should be striving.  Together, we can all make a positive impact on improving the quality of life in the Borough.

Please view a list of Council members appointed at the meeting.    Thanks to all who have expressed interest to become involved.  Response has been tremendous.

Anyone interested in joining and/or becoming involved with the Council should email their intentions to Ed Carter (ecarter@naugatuck-ct.gov), or call Nancy Dimeo at 203-720-7009.  Information regarding the first meeting will be posted as the same is available.