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City outlines steps to tackle vacant commercial buildings in Old Town
Summary
Economic development director Jonathan Reich told the council that the city is using nuisance-abatement notices, a nascent vacancy registry, potential signage controls, and window-art concepts to address long-standing vacant storefronts and improve downtown vitality.
The Auburn City Council heard a detailed update on vacant commercial properties in Old Town from Economic Development Director Jonathan Reich on March 23.
Reich said vacant commercial properties create blight, discourage investment and can become attractive nuisances. "Vacant commercial buildings do cause issues within our community," Reich said. "They're major sources of blight." He said the city has combined nuisance-abatement letters (sent with Auburn Police Department assistance) with outreach to property owners and that some owners have begun exterior repairs.
Reich described a four-part approach staff has pursued: (1) pursue nuisance-abatement where properties meet ordinance criteria; (2) create a registry/marketing listing on the economic development webpage to centralize vacancy information (the director said the site is new and in its infancy); (3) review the signage ordinance to limit the visual overabundance of "for lease" signs that contribute to a perception of vacancy; and (4) pilot window-cladding or art programs to make empty storefronts more inviting.
Council members asked for details about staff hours and enforcement burden; Reich said abatement work is ongoing, that four abatement notices were issued and three owners are responding. He also emphasized the current effort is focused on exterior conditions covered by the nuisance ordinance and that interior improvements and tenant recruitment will be discussed with owners separately.
Reich said the city is working with business-improvement-district partners and the arts commission on window art concepts; if signage-ordinance changes are proposed they would return to council for formal action. Council members welcomed the progress on two Old Town buildings specifically named in the discussion and asked staff to keep the council updated as the program develops.
