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Lincoln Heights to implement new property maintenance code and roll out CRA incentives, manager says
Summary
After resident complaints about lawns, parking and yard debris, the interim village manager said the new property maintenance code has passed and letters to property owners will be mailed; council also reviewed a Community Reinvestment Area tax-abatement program and available grant funds to assist property owners.
At the June 24 meeting of the Lincoln Heights Village Council, residents and officials focused on enforcement of neighborhood property standards and on incentives to spur reinvestment.
Resident Gary Brown told the council he has seen cars parked on lawns and appliances left in yards and urged quicker enforcement. "I think we need to create legislation as far as that," Brown said, citing longstanding cleanliness and parking concerns in several neighborhoods.
Interim Village Manager Mr. Lemon said the village has adopted a new property maintenance code and will begin implementation soon. "The new property maintenance code has passed. It's going to be on the website, probably next week... there is a letter that is going out to all the property owners indicating that it has passed and that we’re implementing it," he said. Mr. Lemon described a compliance approach of courtesy notices first and citations if owners fail to correct violations.
Mr. Lemon also described the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) program: staff have identified about 105 available properties eligible for tax abatement, with conditions for acquisition and a minimum $25,000 investment required on existing properties. He said the village has approximately $100,000 available now to help bring properties into compliance and has applied for an additional $50,000 per year for the next three years.
Council members sought clarity about outreach: several said letters had gone to property owners (legal owners) but not always to tenants or to all residents who pay utilities. Council asked staff to ensure tenant-facing outreach and to post information on the village website so renters and non-owner occupants can learn how to opt out of programs or access assistance.
Mr. Lemon also updated the council on park and street projects: parkour equipment for Memorial Field had arrived and would be installed by Public Works; the concession-stand design is nearing completion and will be put out for bid; some street projects were delayed until 2025 because of required waterline work.
The council closed the discussion by encouraging residents to use standing committees, attend public hearings, and contact staff to get full details about grants and compliance assistance.
