The Common Council approved a resolution on Tuesday, February 5 directing the Commissioner of the Department of City Development (DCD) to partner with the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS), Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), and the Office of Violence Prevention to establish a maintenance and security plan for reducing the impact of vacant City-owned homes on neighborhood crime rates.

Common Council File #181491 was introduced by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and approved unanimously by the Council. Alderman Khalif J. Rainey and Alderman Ashanti Hamilton co-sponsored the legislation

“We know that vacant homes can be an attractive nuisance in our neighborhoods,” said Ald. Coggs. “These homes can present safety hazards to neighbors and first responders when they become havens for criminal activities.”

“This legislation also includes a property maintenance component, to ensure that landscaping, grass mowing and trash control are all up-to-date,” continued Ald. Coggs. “Together with the safety aspect, we are working to make these City-owned properties clean and secure for the safety of everyone in our neighborhoods.”