Pubdate: Thu, 07 Mar 2002
Source: Record, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.royalcityrecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1654
Author: Theresa McManus

CITY TARGETS 'PROBLEM PROPERTIES'

New Westminster is setting its sights on problem properties in the city.

Properties that pose safety hazards for their inhabitants and safety 
and livability problems for their neighbours are targetted under new 
city initiatives.

The city established the Housing Integrated Service Team to deal with 
problematic properties that pose serious community concerns regarding 
crime, extraordinary demands for police service, adverse 
neighbourhood impacts, bylaw violations and safety hazards.

"New Westminster is on the cutting edge of these types of issues," 
said city solicitor Michael McAllister of Murdy & McAllister 
Barristers and Solicitors. "Even other (municipal) clients that we 
have are asking about this. Others are coming forward and asking how 
this is working."

McAllister said the committee's attitude has been "don't tell us what 
we can't do, tell us what we can do."

"Because of this and our approach to this, there is a confidence in 
our residents that something will be done," said Mayor Helen Sparkes. 
"It does make a safer city - that is what we want."

The Housing Integrated Service Team (IST) prioritizes its resources 
by dealing with properties on a "worst-first" basis, but it does deal 
with less severe properties when opportunities arise to easily 
resolve concerns.

According to a staff report to city council, IST has dealt with more 
than 60 properties.

Strategies used to address concern with these properties include: 
getting the property owner's cooperation to resolve identified 
issues; getting special orders pursuant to the Local Government Act 
and Health Act; revoking business licences; enforcing health, fire 
and safety regulations; and enforcing local bylaws such as the 
Controlled Substance Property Bylaw.

"It's been tough slogging with some of these places," said Keith 
Coueffin, assistant director of strategic services. "We have worked 
with various places to relocate people - not all of them want help."

The Integrated Service Team has dealt with various problematic 
properties: marijuana grow operations; crack houses; chronically 
problem properties; and rental buildings with poor management 
practices.

"Keep it up. It is an ongoing issue," said Coun. Jerry Dobrovolny. 
"Some of the worst addresses have been addressed."

Although the Integrated Service Team initially identified about three 
dozen properties that cause concerns in the community, it continues 
to add to the list - and still has about three dozen properties to 
address.

New Westminster city council will write to each member of the Housing 
Integrated Service Team to commend them for their incredible efforts 
in finding solutions to deal with the problem properties.

"Your successes, certainly as council, we have had many good 
comments," Coun. Casey Cook told IST members attending a recent 
council meeting. "It gives neighbourhoods hope."

Coun. Chuck Puchmayr said a continued police effort to deal with 
prostitution and drug activities will help address problem properties.

"With the sex trade comes everything associated with it - syringes, 
crack houses," he said. "It takes a long time to get that element 
from your neighbourhood."

The Integrated Service Team is composed of representatives from the 
engineering, planning, fire, strategic services, finance and police 
departments, the health region, B.C. Gas, B.C. Electrical Safety 
Branch, and the Ministry of Human Resources.

"If any residents have any concerns, they are certainly welcome to 
call me," Coueffin said about problem properties. "For criminal 
activities they certainly should be calling the police."
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MAP posted-by: Josh