Dennis OKs Abandoned Properties, Dog Care Ordinances

DENNISVILLE – Dennis Township Committee met for its regular meeting Oct. 4 and quickly and unanimously approved two ordinances which residents and committee members had long sought to have on the books.
One ordinance addresses abandoned and nuisance properties and was considered on second reading with opportunity for public comment. The text of the ordinance notes that recent events in the local housing market have led to a drastic rise in foreclosed homes and notes “these homes are frequently repossessed by banks, financial institutions and large real estate conglomerates that have little or no connection with the municipality in which they own property.”
The objective of the ordinance is to resolve the care, maintenance and disposal of these properties so they no longer are a public nuisance which per the ordinance in many cases, “are in violation of multiple aspects of state and local building, sanitary and nuisance codes.”
The ordinance defines important terms in the implementation of the regulation including what is a “vacant property,” “initiation of the foreclosure process” and who is a “lienholder or mortgage holder.”
The ordinance details registration statement requirements and property inspection procedures.
The initial registration fee for each building considered abandoned or a nuisance property is $500. The fee for the first renewal year is $1,500. The second renewal year is set at $3,000. The fee for the third renewal year and subsequent renewal years is $5,000. All fees are to be paid to the township and submitted to Township Clerk Jacqueline Justice.
During public comment, Albert DiCicco, a former Committee member, speaking as a private citizen and township resident said, “This is a great ordinance, since last year we’ve been trying to make this happen, especially since the banks frequently don’t pay attention. This is a much-needed regulation and shows we’re making a serious effort.”
DiCicco later suggested that whatever reserves are generated through these fees be used to help homeowners buy these abandoned properties so they can rehab them.
“That’s pretty optimistic, that we’ll have funds over and above what we need to pay out just to keep these properties cared for and make them safe but it’s a great idea if and when we have some extra money,” said Committee member Donald Tozer.
Committee then passed an ordinance which enacts better oversight of how dogs are cared for and addresses numerous citizen concerns about the welfare of Dennis canines.
“This ordinance tightens up our existing regulations, for example, we now have specific temperatures enumerated rather than vague language. In extreme weather that is below 32 degrees and above 95 degrees, owners, caretakers, guardians and handlers, must ensure their dogs are brought inside,” said Justice.
There have been numerous citizen comments that township dogs are not being cared for properly including short tethers and other mistreatment. This ordinance, similar to many others already enacted in the county as well as being in line with proposed state legislation, now gives the township the means to exert more control, scrutiny, and penalties to ensure all of its animals are treated in a humane fashion.
Committee member Lisa Salimbene reported on upcoming township activities. Trunk or Treat will be held Oct. 23 at the township school and the Environmental Commission will be planning arbors in the municipal garden to honor a deceased member.
DiCicco said the group supporting the Old Schoolhouse Museum was close to establishing its non-profit status so that it could soon apply for relevant grants.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.