Nightmare Neighbor Task Force Formed For MV Zombie Properties

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A new task force and new report detail the bad effects of abandoned, bank-owned and "zombie" properties in Mount Vernon. Senators Jeff Klein and Jamaal Bailey, joined by Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas, unveiled the Nightmare Neighbor Task Force at a press conference and released a new investigative report, “Nightmare Neighbors: How Badly Maintained Homes Damage Neighborhoods.”

"The foreclosure crisis continues to negatively impact neighborhoods in Mount Vernon. We have made great strides in eliminating zombie properties and holding financial institutions liable for the properties they own, however there is still more to do. This joint task force and legislation will help Mount Vernon home owners maintain their home values and quality of life,” said Klein.

The investigation uncovered 21 bank-owned properties in Mount Vernon that affected 764 surrounding homes for a total depreciation value of $3.5 million. The 10 zombie properties identified affected 396 nearby homes, causing a combined $1.7 million in depreciation. Lastly, the six abandoned properties accounted for a total loss of $1.04 million.

Source: City of Mount Vernon

The abandoned properties included in the report are homes that were observed to be vacant and in disrepair through site visits.

Mount Vernon has suffered significant depreciation in property value, as well as a loss of much needed tax revenue due to the prevalence of zombie, foreclosed or abandoned properties in the city, Bailey said.

“We must slay these zombie structures that are haunting Mount Vernon and eating away at property values. We know how dangerous these buildings can be but as Senator Klein and Bailey clearly show, the effect on our property values is unacceptable," Thomas said.

The fall 2017 study looked at how bank-owned, zombie and abandoned properties in Mount Vernon affected the surrounding property values. In doing so, staff members discovered numerous properties that appeared abandoned, however weren’t identified as zombie houses through the Department of Financial Services registry or bank-owned through the Office of the Assessor for the City of Mount Vernon.

To better keep track of any vacant properties, whether it be a zombie home, bank-owned home or an abandoned home, the officials unveiled a new joint Nightmare Neighbor Task Force. Constituents can call into either office to report them. Both offices will identify the owner, remind them of the duty to maintain under New York State law and work to clean up each property. If that property is not cleaned up, the offices will work with the Mayor of Mount Vernon and his administration to appropriately fine those responsible for maintenance and remediate the property and seek reimbursements, Bailey and Klein said.