{Brian Krista, b}

We’ve written before about the individuals behind “Baltimore Slumlord Watch” who are hell bent on taking to task the owners of vacant and abandoned properties throughout the city.

The group reports that the Baltimore City Council is considering a new bill which calls for a “Split Level Property Tax.” The bill’s tax would hit property owners who fail to take care of their property. In order for the law to exist, state lawmakers must take action, and that’s what the city bill encourages.

The bill states its goal is “to establish a split-level property tax rate wherein vacant, nonoccupiable or uninhabitable properties would be taxed at a higher rate than occupiable or habitable properties.” The bill,  sponsored by Baltimore City Councilman Jim Kraft, includes some startling statistics about the impact of vacant houses in surrounding communities.

Keep an eye on the bill and if you think something more should be done to rid communities of vacant and abandoned buildings, contact your local legislator, and ask him or her to do something about it.

Have a question, comment or concern? E-mail me at bchrisnelson@gmail.com.

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