After five years, Glencairn Heights residents are at their wits end with the illegal occupation of a problem building.
According to locals, the property in question is a deceased estate that was left abandoned after the owner died and widow fled.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, says the house in Golconda Road has been a concern as it has attracted criminals.
“Residents are very concerned about that house. It has been five years since that house has been left and nothing is being done about it.
“The City has done absolutely nothing,” claimed the resident. “I mean it has been years and more people are moving onto the property. What must happen before something is done about the issue?”
The local Community Policing Forum (CPF) confirmed that several faced criminal cases last year.
Meanwhile law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason confirmed that the property had been reported to the Problem Building Unit in August 2020.
“Various attempts to resolve the concerns around the property have been unsuccessful and the property has since been declared a problem building. A case docket has been submitted to the City’s legal department for next steps.”
When questioned, what can be done in the case of abandoned buildings or deceased’s estates illegally occupied, Dyason said the amended by-law makes provision for officers to approach the High Court.
“The problem building by-law was amended in 2020. The amended by-law does make provision for officers to approach the High Court for a possible evacuation, eviction or administrator order for private properties; however, it is important to note that these matters take time, and that staff have to act in accordance with the by-law.”
When questioned about the process to follow, Dyason said the first step would be to serve a compliance notice.
“The City’s Problem Building Unit is mandated to enforce the provisions of the problem building by-law.
“Generally, a compliance notice is issued first and if the owner is non-responsive, further action is taken, including declaring a problem building, instituting a tariff which is charged to the owner’s municipal account or legal action to compel the owner to act.”
However, in instances where properties are privately owned it is up to the owner to secure their property from illegal occupation.
Dyason pointed out that any property left unoccupied or not properly secured or maintained is at risk of becoming a problem building.
“Where properties linked to deceased estates start falling into disrepair, it can bedevil efforts to track down the responsible person/s to ensure compliance.”
