State Senator Bob Duff
May 29, 2009
Duff, Representative. Barry Urge Governor’s Favorable Action on Bill to Combat Foreclosure Blight
House approves legislation in final action
The state House of Representatives today voted in favor of legislation crafted by Banks Committee Co-chairs Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and Representative Ryan Barry (D-Manchester) that will help protect Connecticut neighborhoods from the disrepair and blight of uninhabited foreclosed properties. With the House’s final action, Senator Duff urged Governor M. Jodi Rell to sign the bill when it reaches her desk.
The legislation would require a registration system for tracking the owners of uninhabited one-to-four family dwellings obtained by strict foreclosure or foreclosure by sale. It allows municipalities to enforce any provision of the General Statutes or any municipal ordinance on the repair of maintenance of uninhabited real estate after the municipality has provided notice and an opportunity to remedy the situation.
“Blight is more than unattractive; it can reduce neighboring home values and lead to crime in our communities,” said Senator Duff. “The General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved this common-sense legislation that will help protect Connecticut neighborhoods, and I strongly urge the governor to sign this bill.”
“Neighborhood blight compounds problems caused by foreclosures by lowering surrounding property values and inviting vandalism and other crime,” said Representative Barry. Whether you are a bank or a residential homeowner, the same standards of upkeep and maintenance of your property should apply and be enforced.”
According to a report released yesterday by the Mortgage Bankers Association, Connecticut had 28,285 home mortgages in foreclosure or 90 days past due — about 5.3 percent of all home loans — as of March 31.
Under the legislation, properties could be registered with the municipality’s town clerk or with the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS). Those who register with a municipality would be required to pay a $100 fee and provide personal contact information and contact information for any local property maintenance company responsible for the security and maintenance of the vacant residential property.
The legislation — Senate Bill 951, An Act Concerning Neighborhood Protection — was passed in an 131-to-0 vote in the House. It was previously adopted unanimously by consent in the Senate.
The 2009 regular legislative session adjourns on Wednesday, June 3.
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