Vernon rejects property ordinance

VERNON — The Vernon Township Council on Monday, April 27, rejected the proposed property maintenance ordinance.

Shortly after introduction, the ordinance was met with heavy criticism for levying fines and for being too vague. A special meeting was held for the public regarding the ordinance, where members of the public and realtors from the area voiced their concerns over how community members would be affected.

The Council decided to amend the ordinance prior to its final rejection.

The amended version simply stated that an out-of-state lien holder must name an in state representative who would be responsible for maintaining the property. Failure to supply the contact information for an in-state representative would result in fines.

Council President Patrick Rizzuto said the in-state representative was not the realtor responsible for selling the property.

The council unanimsouly rejected the ordinance before the second reading, which would have been scheduled for Monday, May 11. The council can revisit the ordinance in the future.