Meanwhile, a national search began for a new code director. Citizens participated in the hiring, and every candidate was queried about their experience monitoring vacant buildings. We learned a lot about how other cities do it. All candidates agreed that keeping track of vacant buildings is an important public safety issue, and that maintaining vacant buildings and property is a significant quality of life issue. Our top candidate was a Burlington police officer with years of downtown beat experience, where police caught a felon hiding out in a vacant building that had no VB permit!
The offending property in our neighborhood was sold, and a new owner promptly got VB permits, and worked with the city to repair dangerous structures, remove hazards, and secure all buildings against intruders. The neighbors feel safe again and are working with the property owner and the city to save the historic 1820s farmhouse.
The VB Code: Today we have the same code, enforced! and a serious VB permit application process. VB fees are being collected, VB's are monitored, there's a VB list that is updated regularly. Thanks to Attorney Bergman, the mayor's support and Bill's roots in our community and city government, there is cooperation with police, fire and other city departments.
Go to North End NPA for report on recent discussion with the new Code Director Bill Ward, and his staff.
