05-29-2007 Luecke plans to reduce abandoned houses by 72%

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percent over the next three years by developing "a series of strategies to address the negative effects of abandoned properties [and] to set higher standards for the maintenance of vacant lots." In addition to identification and inspection of abandoned and vacant properties, Code Enforcement already works through both education and enforcement to ensure that properties are maintained for public safety. When necessary, property owners are cited or taken to court to comply with city codes. In March, the city won a major court ruling to give teeth to its efforts to require real- estate owners in bankruptcy proceedings to adequately maintain their properties. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Northern Indiana determined that property owners cannot avoid the obligations of maintaining their properties while in chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings. In addition, the owner continues to have the same property maintenance obligations, and cannot push those obligations onto a lender holding the mortgage lien, if the lender does not foreclose on the property. In addition, the vacant and abandoned housing strategy prohibits participation by any prospective buyers with existing properties with code violations. If any purchasers are later discovered to have existing violations, the sales are subject to forfeiture. National market studies indicate that there is a return of people moving into cities, including first-time homebuyers, single professionals, childless couples, empty nesters and immigrants. "City dwellers tend to value neighborhood vibrancy and diversity, the accessibility of restaurants and cultural attractions, and the ability to walk to work," Luecke said. "Cities need good housing to become the vibrant centers of cultural and social life that they are destined to be. Once people begin to see improvement on the street, you're going to continue to see aturnaround in other private investment in our neighborhoods." - 30 - 4