The Fight Against Blight in Hazleton
By: Andy Mehalshick
Updated: March 20, 2013
Hazleton, Luzerne County-The owner of a vacant apartment building in Hazleton was fined more than $12,000 dollars for not making repairs and making it safe, so say city officials. Terrell Campbell and his family lives right next door..
"I haven't seen them trying t do anything to fix it i seen a couple of guys coming in and out it's been like this since last year.I'm not sure how long it's going to take before they fix it." Terrell Campbell, Neighbor
City officials say its taking too long. and they say there are dozens of other properties that have become problem properties and are magnets for crime. Not just vacant buildings..but those that are left to simply..fall apart..leaving tenants in dangerous living conditions..
"They become havens for drug activity gang activity crime--vagrants." said Police Chief Frank DeAndrea
Landlords are being warned to do whatever it takes to repair their properties and risk losing them..
"We have a nuisance property we could probably put it into effect that wold be to close them down permanently they wouldn't be allowed to rent it. And eventually go into foreclosure we haven't used it yet." said Mayor Joe Yannuzzi
The city is also sending out warnings to business owners who have not obtained licenses to do business in the city...They have until Monday to get a license..if not..they too could be shutdown
"I haven't seen them trying t do anything to fix it i seen a couple of guys coming in and out it's been like this since last year.I'm not sure how long it's going to take before they fix it." Terrell Campbell, Neighbor
City officials say its taking too long. and they say there are dozens of other properties that have become problem properties and are magnets for crime. Not just vacant buildings..but those that are left to simply..fall apart..leaving tenants in dangerous living conditions..
"They become havens for drug activity gang activity crime--vagrants." said Police Chief Frank DeAndrea
Landlords are being warned to do whatever it takes to repair their properties and risk losing them..
"We have a nuisance property we could probably put it into effect that wold be to close them down permanently they wouldn't be allowed to rent it. And eventually go into foreclosure we haven't used it yet." said Mayor Joe Yannuzzi
The city is also sending out warnings to business owners who have not obtained licenses to do business in the city...They have until Monday to get a license..if not..they too could be shutdown
