Code Enforcement Program To Clip Lenders For Fines On Vacant Property "Not Going Well" In One Town

In Hollister, California, the Hollister Free Lance reports:

• Hollister Code Enforcement Officer Mike Chambless [...] said a program to make overseas banks more accountable for neglected properties "is not going well." Chambless had told the Free Lance in May officials were starting the program to heighten accountability of banks, based in places such as Japan and Germany, which own unkempt properties here. Officials had been responding to increased reports of such homes falling into dangerous levels of disrepair, while others were being broken into for drug use and other criminal activity.

• The city sent letters in April and May warning that a $1,000 a day fine could result if compliance is not met by owners. The maximum penalty is $100,000, but securing any fines from overseas banks has been problematic.

For more, see Program to target neglectful, overseas banks 'not going well'.