GOAL 5 Mitigate demolition by neglect to prevent the loss of historic properties through prolonged disrepair. RECOMMENDATIONS: Assess common causes and patterns of building disrepair. Common causes of maintenance and repair issues in Franklin’s historic neighborhoods may include absentee ownership, investor speculation, high rehabilitation costs, or complex family ownership. Understanding the underlying causes will help to develop targeted solutions for enforcement and support. Adopt a Demolition-by-Neglect ordinance. A demolition-by-neglect ordinance should clearly define what constitutes demolition by neglect, the property owner’s affirmative responsibility to maintain the condition of their historic building, and outline specific fines, criminal penalties, or other remedies the City may take to ensure compliance. Review common hardship provisions and accommodations. Hardship provisions may include income-based relief, delayed compliance schedules, grant or loan referrals, or other assistance. Review existing City building codes, enforcement policies, and enforcement staff capacity. City building codes should be reviewed to identify gaps or challenges in enforcement efforts. This can include proactive enforcement, higher fines to deter investor neglect, nuisance mitigation agreements, and related tools. The assessment should be used to strengthen codes, enforcement, related regulations, and monitoring. THEME: PRESERVING FRANKLIN’S HISTORIC RESOURCES 115
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