cover
TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Chuck Nelson, Interim Director of Neighborhood Standards
Alex Voigt, Interim Assistant Chief of Staff
Blanca Dominguez, Assistant Corporation Council
Bill Wiet, Chief Development Officer
DATE: November 16, 2015
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval that in Chapter 12 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances, a new Article XI titled "Vacant and Foreclosing Structure Registration" shall be established.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Article is to establish an expanded program for identifying, registering and monitoring foreclosing and/or vacant properties in the City of Aurora. This includes a new fee structure as well as responsibilities of all persons or entities with any interest in such properties.
BACKGROUND:
The impact of the national foreclosure crisis continues to effect cities throughout the United States. As recently as early November, the State of Illinois remained in the top five (5) states for foreclosure rates nationally. As the second largest city in the state, the City of Aurora continues to be impacted by this national trend.
The City of Aurora was an early adopter of the Vacant Property Registration Ordinance (VPRO), as the current registration process dates back to 2000. Now Aurora, similar to other communities nationwide who implemented VPRO's prior to the great recession, is seeking to adjust the current ordinance to better address the evolving challenges vacant and/or foreclosed properties have on the city.
In the course of researching best practices, staff discovered that as recently as August of 2014, it was reported there were over 550 VPRO's nationwide, with an estimated 61 in Illinois alone. Another study reported that the implementation of VPRO's increased by 2,600% between the years 2000 to 2012. Clearly, Aurora is not alone in the quest to mitigate the long term negative impact vacant and/or foreclosed properties can have on a community.
City staff utilized re...
Click here for full text