Banks have an Interest in seeing to the Maintenance of Foreclosure Homes

Jill Swanson of Environmental Health Services who is engaged in battling foreclosure blight in the townships of West Windsor and Robinsville said that if the owners cannot be contacted the local administration clears up the mess and then places a lien on the property to be realized when it goes up for sale. But she noted that such instances are rare for the banks generally cooperate and have an interest in seeing to the maintenance of their foreclosed properties.

In Ewing the conditions are the same said Alan Lee, the health officer. He is seeing to the maintenance of 35 or 40 houses - most of which belong to the banks. Other units have been just dumped with the previous owners having walked away. He said, "This year we're probably experiencing a little more than normal".

He observed that the public utility services of the state have already been downsized and the skeletal framework is overwhelmed with work. The net result is that little attention is being given to the foreclosed eyesores. He said that it took up much of their time. They consider themselves to be fortunate to give attention either once or twice during the summer months."

There are ongoing debates about setting up a special fund or even giving out the services to outside agencies. Whether the town does the work itself or outsources it - the money will have to be recovered. He explained, "The thing about the foreclosure homes is that the bank is always going to pay the tax. The problem is, it's not being maintained the way it should be."

In the township of Lawrence the town officials have chalked out a plan with contractors to see to the maintenance of foreclosed units. Richard Krawczun said, "We have taken ..., in certain cases, the initiative to have a third party either clean up or rectify the situation." He noted that compared to the past the numbers have definitely increased. It is understandable considering the harsh economic days the country is passing through. The legal owners are not able to often discharge their duties towards toward caring for the derelict units. The landlords are failing to find tenants and this leaves them short of cash.

The Health Officer of the township and borough of Princeton as well as the temporary health officer of Trenton said the condition of abandoned units is deteriorating. One explanation is that there is considerable time gap when the property hangs in a state of limbo between filing of the foreclosure and the taking over of the title deed.