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Administration outlines emergency demolition contracting and HMFA funding; residents raise burglary concerns
Summary
Business Administrator Fabriga Richardson told council the city plans to keep demolition contractors on call to speed emergency responses, said about $9 million in HMFA funding could be available under an approved redevelopment plan, and noted roughly 400 properties have been identified; residents raised concerns about thefts and vehicle break-ins, which Police Director Steve Wilson said detectives will follow up on when warranted.
At the Jan. 6 Trenton City Council meeting, Business Administrator Fabriga Richardson described a contract on the docket to keep demolition contractors on call so the city can respond quickly to emergency structures and avoid repeated emergency declarations. Richardson said the administration selected at least three low bidders for the on-call list and will call contractors as emergencies arise, using the most responsive or cost-effective vendor available.
Richardson explained that the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) will not fund emergency demolitions absent a redevelopment plan: if the city obtains HMFA approval for a plan, approximately $9,000,000 could be allocated for demolitions tied to redevelopment. She said the city has identified roughly 400 properties as part of the plan-development process but could not give a firm number for the count of emergency demolitions in any given year. Richardson emphasized the procurement approach: during an emergency the city will contact the three contractors and use the one that is available and offers the best price.
Fire Director Kenneth Douglas described the post-fire structural-assessment process that determines whether a building poses an immediate collapse risk and needs expedited removal: subcode officials and construction officials must assess interior structural integrity, not just the façade, to determine immediacy. Richardson added that the on-call contract is meant to reduce time lost to procuring services after emergencies occur.
During public comment, residents including Carlos Guerrero and Leticia Peters raised concerns about recurring thefts and vehicle break-ins. Police Director Steve Wilson said thefts from auto and pawn-shop activity were part of the complaints and asked complainants to provide specific information so the investigation bureau and detectives can follow up; he also said patrol officers are trained as evidence technicians and perform initial evidence collection when appropriate.
The consent agenda that included the demolition contracting item was approved by the council. No new funding was formally appropriated at the Jan. 6 meeting; Richardson said HMFA funding would require an approved plan and would not cover emergencies alone.
