Housing
We all know that there is a shortage of affordable housing throughout the U.S. today. How can we in Elmira address this critical need? I do not have a miracle solution, but I would like to suggest one way to help remedy this shortage.
Each year, Elmira and Chemung County auction repossessed houses, businesses, land and lots to the highest bidder. Let’s reconsider what our goals are and how we might improve the procedure.
The proposal I would like us to consider is to set up a lottery for Elmira residents. Those people who apply and whose names are picked out of the hat would then choose a house, where they would be required to live for a certain period of time, say 5 years. During that time, they would have to bring the homes up to code, maintain them, pay the upkeep, taxes, bills, and other associated costs when due. If they do so successfully, they will be deeded the homes outright at the end of the term. Hopefully, this procedure will encourage the new owners to take pride in their homes and in Elmira.
Whatever procedures we choose to follow, we need to encourage local ownership and consider ways to limit property ownership by absentee landlords, particularly those who do not adhere to our codes and who have no real interest in the welfare of our community.
Finally, we should review our city building code and amend it to address more effectively the dreadful state of enforcement that currently plagues us. First and foremost, we must demand that the City itself adhere strictly to its codes and serve as a model for all property owners.
Each year, Elmira and Chemung County auction repossessed houses, businesses, land and lots to the highest bidder. Let’s reconsider what our goals are and how we might improve the procedure.
The proposal I would like us to consider is to set up a lottery for Elmira residents. Those people who apply and whose names are picked out of the hat would then choose a house, where they would be required to live for a certain period of time, say 5 years. During that time, they would have to bring the homes up to code, maintain them, pay the upkeep, taxes, bills, and other associated costs when due. If they do so successfully, they will be deeded the homes outright at the end of the term. Hopefully, this procedure will encourage the new owners to take pride in their homes and in Elmira.
Whatever procedures we choose to follow, we need to encourage local ownership and consider ways to limit property ownership by absentee landlords, particularly those who do not adhere to our codes and who have no real interest in the welfare of our community.
Finally, we should review our city building code and amend it to address more effectively the dreadful state of enforcement that currently plagues us. First and foremost, we must demand that the City itself adhere strictly to its codes and serve as a model for all property owners.