Elgin leaders back plan to inspect vacant homes

With more than 1,000 foreclosures scattered across the city, Elgin leaders have endorsed a program to inspect vacant homes and require repairs for illegal dwelling areas in attics and basements, faulty wiring and broken pipes.

"This is an urgency for neighborhoods, no question," Councilman David Kaptain said. "Long term, it's a good thing."

The council unanimously endorsed the concept Wednesday night and likely will give the final OK at their next meeting on Aug. 11.

If approved, owners of foreclosed properties would be required to register them with the city and pay a $200 annual fee.

The city would then conduct a $500 inspection, send a report to the owner, who would then develop a plan to fix violations.

The violations would have to be fixed before another sale, or if a home was being sold to a rehabber, that person or entity would have to pledge fixes by a certain date.

William Cogley, the city's corporation counsel, said 39 other Illinois communities have or are considering similar programs and that the fees are only proposed and not final.

"Things that present a current threat to public safety will be examined," he said. "It only takes one bad property to really disrupt a neighborhood."

The city is still evaluating what impact the program could have on their staffing.

Councilman Richard Dunne suggested the city consider contracting out some of the inspections.

"This is going to be well received by our community," Councilman Mike Warren said.

While nothing is set in stone yet, Chuck Keysor, president of the Near West Neighbors Association who suggested the concept to Mayor Ed Schock in June, said he was happy with the council's direction.

"This is good news," Keysor said. "Councilmen have been very responsive on this issue."

Added Crysta Anderson, president of the South West Area Neighbors, or SWAN: "We're really pleased the neighborhoods are going to get some help."

Vacant: Councilman wants city to look at contracting out some inspections