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Auburn economic director outlines strategy to address vacant commercial properties in Old Town
Summary
Economic development director Jonathan Reich told the council the city is using nuisance enforcement, a nascent online registry, signage changes and window-art programs to reduce blight and attract tenants to long-vacant commercial storefronts in Old Town and other districts.
Jonathan Reich, Auburn's economic development director, told the City Council on March 23 that the city is pursuing a multi-pronged approach to vacant commercial buildings that combines nuisance enforcement, marketing, signage regulation and creative use of vacant windows.
Reich opened by saying vacant storefronts cause blight and discourage investment: "Vacant commercial properties... they're major sources of blight," and he described broken windows, graffiti and an overabundance of —real estate signs— that make corridors appear empty to visitors. Reich said council direction and a December workshop with property…
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