Board adopts DPW report allowing liens for long‑unabated blight; multiple property owners raise objections at public hearing

The Board of Supervisors on June 7 held a public hearing on a Department of Public Works (DPW) report of assessment costs for inspection and abatement of blighted conditions, including graffiti, and adopted the report authorizing liens on delinquent properties after DPW staff met in the hall with numerous property owners who objected.

DPW representative Kenny Bruce explained the administrative code authority to abate recurring graffiti and charge a $258 blight inspection fee when property owners fail to remediate. Several property owners testified they received notices they did not fully understand, that some of the cited markings were murals or permitted artwork, and that DPW had not returned their calls. Others said they had paid private contractors or arranged abatement but still received bills. Several owners described difficulties securing roof access to remove graffiti above ground‑level.

DPW told the board it had met with affected owners during the hearing and would work case‑by‑case to resolve errors and remove properties from the lien report where appropriate. The board adopted the report and authorized the assessments as presented, with DPW committing to follow up with property owners who raised objections and to adjust the report where payments or abatements were verified.

What happens next: DPW will reconcile payments and abatements raised during the hearing and remove eligible properties from the assessment report. Properties that remain delinquent may have liens placed per administrative code.