Medford City Council Will Consider Foreclosure for Abandoned Properties
Legislation Update
April 5, 2016
Officials in Medford are considering using a 1989 state law to get owners of abandoned properties to fix them up and reduce neighborhood blight.
The Medford Mail-Tribune says across the city there are more than 400 mostly bank-owned homes that sit vacant, often creating problems for law enforcement and a nuisance for neighbors.
The state law, which has been used by cities such as Portland and Gresham, allows cities to foreclose on properties that have become a threat to the health and safety of a community.
Deputy City Attorney Kevin McConnell says the threat of foreclosure could prompt banks and others to fix or renovate properties.
Mayor Gary Wheeler says he likes the idea of a housing receivership. The Medford City Council appears to be receptive to a program dealing with the large number of abandoned properties.
Source: KAJO 1270-AM