City seeks new hire to address vacant properties
Asst city prosecutor will oversee code dept., take violators to court
Slumlords and absentee landlords that own shoddy properties in Asbury Park are officially on notice.
City administration is looking to hire an assistant prosecutor to address the city’s blighted and abandoned properties.
Operating under the city’s abandoned property ordinance, the person hired will be required to maintain a database of vacant properties, complaints about properties, and action taken in responses to the complaints. They will also be responsible for surveying area neighborhoods to keep track of public and private property improvements and will work closely with factions in the community that are vested in seeing their neighborhoods improved.
The individual would oversee the code enforcement department and be charged with identifying substandard buildings on properties in the city and prosecuting those that do not address their violation in municipal court.
Leaders of the The Asbury Park Community Action Network recently hosted a bus tour of the city’s West Side, where the majority of the city’s abandoned homes are located. The tour brought community organizers and city officials together to begin to take a visual inventory of run-down properties in the city and to discuss what could be done to increase the quality of life for residents.
The salary range for the position is between $52, 000 — $62,000, commensurate with experience. Resumes are due by June 16.
The full job description is as follows:
Assistant City Prosecutor, Director of Property Improvement & Neighborhood Preservation
Under direction is responsible for the overall leadership and administration of all functions and activities of a Code Enforcement program designed to eliminate blight and substandard structures; including programs designed to rehabilitate, preserve or restore residential and/or other buildings. Supervise code enforcement officers and related clerical personnel. Serves as the Code Enforcement Prosecutor for housing violations referred to municipal court.
Administers the activities required under the City’s Abandoned Property Ordinance including the identification and registering of abandoned properties; maintain a database to track the location of vacant properties as well as complaints and responses.
Coordinates the work of appropriate city agencies and departments in the rehabilitation or disposition of city owned property not required for municipal use.
The ability to perform inspection work involved in preventing and eliminating blight and/or substandard housing conditions.
Coordinates neighborhood area surveys designed to establish need for public and private property improvement.
Supervises the public information program and may address business, civic, church, and other community and neighborhood groups to inform them of the goals and objectives of the inspection programs and to enlist their cooperation.
Qualifications: Licensed to practice law in New Jersey. Must have supervisory experience. Knowledge of real estate law a plus. Motor Vehicle License. Compensation: Salary range: $52, 000 – $62,000 DOQ. Participation in the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program and pension plan. Paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position is Full Time.
Resumes should be send electronically to Christine.Detommaso@cityofasburypark.com by June 16, 2014
[Photo at top shows two abandoned homes in the 1500 block of Springwood Ave.]
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