Appropriate Funds to Demolish Unsafe Structures?

COURT HOUSE—The agenda for the Regular Meeting of Middle Township Committee had 22 items listed and one that was not. The unlisted item was first. Mayor Dan Lockwood presented Budd and Bobbie Dunham, the owners of Just Sports, with a proclamation. The proclamation declared the week of Oct. 21 as “Just Sports” week. The Dunhams have operated Just Sports for the past 17 years. Recently they donated 20 pairs of new sneakers to less fortunate children in Middle Township. They also offer 10 percent discount to any child who plays sports in the township.
The remaining items followed regular order. There was the first reading of an ordinance to appropriate $200,000 to fund the demolition of unsafe structures. The second reading will be at the November meeting. Mayor Lockwood commented that it is an effort by the township to fight blight. He said that so far 15 structures have been identified for demolition. After the building is torn down, the property will be liened to recoup the cost of leveling it. Deputy Mayor Donohue said it was a three pronged approached and that this proposed ordinance was one with “a lot more teeth.”
Township resident Ed Dileo rose to thank the committee for this effort. He observed that the city of Detroit had 70,000 abandoned houses slated for demolition. And that it was “really important that these [in Middle Township] be torn down.” Lockwood responded that the Committee had three goals in its demolition program. First to remove any attractive nuisance that children might be lured into. Secondly, to take away these empty shelters for transients, and third, to take away any refuge for wild animals.
The Committee also approved the hiring of two Class II Police Officers. That will give Middle 43 full time and five Class II officers.
It was the second time for the ordinance to establish an aggressive begging ordinance. There was a minor clarification to the Exemption section. After the first reading during the last meeting, the story of the ordinance appeared on both the Drudge Report and Fox news. The clarification simply states that non-profits are exempt and need only seek written approval from the police department. The second reading and public hearing will be held on Nov. 18.
Contracts were approved for Home Rehabilitation projects and separately for the Whitesboro paving project for Arawak Paving Company, Inc. at a cost of $319,600.
Stan Donagher of Rio Grande had questions about expenditures for amusements. “Are we in the entertainment business?” Donohue explained to him that the expenditures were for the Harvest Festival and the money would be recouped through the various sponsored activities.
Completing the meeting, Donohue directed everyone to the new and improved Middle Township website. He even said there was a section resembling the Herald’s Spout Off section. “But you have to leave your name,” he quipped. He also spoke of his initiative to make the playing fields and recreational areas of the township smoke free. There will be more discussion at the next meeting. Administrator Constance Mahon reminded everyone of the Energy Fair scheduled for Nov. 13 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center. There will be 40 vendors and 35 new ways to save energy.
Committee member D’Alonzo made sure to acknowledge all the volunteers who have put in years of service to the township.