A new ordinance has passed unanimously in New Port Richey Tuesday night.
It gives the City Council the right to demolish homes deemed blighted by the building department.
The ordinance is based on a similar county ordinance and almost identical to one passed by neighboring Port Richey earlier this year. Port Richey used it to demolish the Port Richey Mobile Home park off of US 19 back in September.
Already, New Port Richey Code Enforcement Officer Liz Nichols has her eye on several vacant buildings she'd like to see demolished under the new ordinance, including a home near the corner Louisiana Avenue and Adams Street.
She tells us it's been vacant for four years now. Half of the back yard has been used by passersby for illegal dumping.
"Someone is actually backing up their truck and throwing in their yard debris," she said.
The other half holds an abandoned pool full of stagnant water. Nichols worries what could happen if the fence falls apart, as it did around other parts of the home.
"We have a health issue but also a public safety issue," Nichols said. "Because the pool would then be unsecured. And right next to this property is a daycare center."
Nichols said there are several similar properties in New Port Richey. She said if passed, the ordinance would be another tool in her belt to clean up the city.
"If this ordinance is passed, I believe I heard that we would be eligible for some neighborhood stabilization funds from the county," Nichols said.
We checked with the city attorney and Nichols heard right. Under the ordinance, the city would be able to apply for federal funds through the county. That money would in turn cover demo costs, so the city wouldn't have to fit the bill. Then, if the property owner doesn't pay the city back, a lien would be placed on the building.
The ordinance goes into effect immediately.