Politics & Government

Upper Moreland Holds Discussions over Abandoned Properties

The discussion considered creating a new ordinance that would identify and monitor abandoned or under foreclosure properties.

The April 15 Public Health and Safety Committee discussed creating local regulations to identify and monitor abandoned properties and those under foreclosure.

The discussion came from an observation shared at a previous committee meeting, in which Upper Moreland resident Nick Scull. Scull shared that he had reported to police his suspicions of vandalism of an abandoned property.

He said that the property, located along the 500 block of Davisville Road in Willow Grove, and directly across from his home, is up for a sheriff’s sale in a few months. However, after confirming with police, Scull said that the property had been stripped of its plumbing. In addition, he noted that there is another property on his block that has been abandoned for years.

Find out what's happening in Upper Moreland-Willow Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I’m worried about the neighborhood deteriorating,” Scull said.

At that previous committee meeting, Scull had suggested the township look into a new ordinance, requiring realtors to register and monitor abandoned properties and those under foreclosure.

Find out what's happening in Upper Moreland-Willow Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I’m not picking on the real estate industry, I’m just concerned that there are people who do business in our township, who know what’s going on with these properties, who could be helpful,” Scull said during the April 15 committee meeting. “It’s in their best interest, too, keeping the properties from being damaged.”

Acting Upper Moreland Police Chief Alex Levy opened the discussion by acknowledging there have been reports of vandalism or burglary of properties that are vacant or for sale or in foreclosure in the township.

Kate Harper, township solicitor, informed the committee that most townships are made aware of such issues when property maintenance codes are violated, and the municipality must take corrective action.

She added that Upper Moreland Township is already aware of such properties that violate the township's maintenance codes, citing at least 20 currently on file.

Addressing the consideration of realtors adhering to new regulations, Harper said that such a law may be difficult to enforce.

“It’s not the realtors’ fault, it may not even be the homeowners’ fault,” Harper said. “It is the consequence of the economy we’ve had.”

Harper did add that the township could encourage realtors to report vandalism and house abandonment, when they come across such properties. Harper said that she will also contact the Montgomery County Board of Realtors to see what they may recommend, as well as local realtors on the Willow Grove Chamber of Commerce.

It was noted that the already established property maintenance codes may help stem further crimes against vacant properties, but that residents should also be vigilant for suspicious activities related to such properties.

“We need to get the word out that if there is a property in your area that is abandoned, you should call the police and code enforcement,” Commissioner Donna Parsell, committee chair, said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here