The Fayetteville City Council directed Monday evening to send the proposed Downtown Vacant Property Ordinance back to staff and also advised staff to meet with stakeholders to begin dialogue regarding the ordinance. The suggestion by Council was to meet with various property owners, Chamber of Commerce and the Fayetteville Regional Association of REALTORS®. The only opposing vote was councilwoman Kathy Jensen.
To view the background and proposed ordinance click here →http://www.gad.fayettevillencrealtors.com/alert-vacant-property-ordinance-on-city-council-agenda/
What Was Said:
Councilman deViere – I make a motion to move this item to the September work session. Staff can have the opportunity to meet with REALTORS® and bring back a document with input. I’ve talked to the Chamber and REALTORS® last week….their input needs to be gelled into this ordinance before a public forum.
Mayor Robertson – You said you spoke to the Chamber?
deViere – They want input and discussion on it.
Councilman Arp – There is concern of many stakeholders on the language and that it is very over reaching in that it will define what a property owner can sell or not sell their property for. I’ve had to direct staff to take action outside of downtown on property. We are going to focus on downtown and not the rest of the city? You need appropriate stakeholders engaged like the Unified Development Ordinance. We need due diligence before we go down this path.
Mayor – Mrs. Jensen you’re bighting your tongue…do you want to say something?
Councilwoman Jensen – (no response)
Mayor – Maybe after 18 months staff will get it right.
