In efforts to clean up the city of Benton Harbor, the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety has officially launched its new Beautify Benton Harbor initiative, and officials report that things are going well.
Deputy Director of Public Safety Brian Kazmierzak tells us that in the first days of the initiative, the department has been actively citing violations to improve living conditions for city residents.
“In the first couple days, I think we’ve written 30 some ordinance violations already,” Kazmierzak says. “The goal is voluntary compliance. It makes everybody’s life so much easier. We will work with you if you work with us.”
As part of the new code enforcement initiative, the department is in the process of demolishing a total of 16 properties that have been deemed unsafe within city limits.
“The majority of those buildings are properties that had fires in them, that the property owners defaulted on their taxes and were then purchased at tax sale by the city to help clean up the city,” Kazmierzak says. “Every one of them is dangerous. Every one of them has holes in floors, missing roofs, etc. and must have action taken immediately on them.”
The initiative will continue through the end of the month. The department encourages residents to collaborate with them to find effective solutions.
