Linda Tyer is calling for an increased effort to combat blight in her run for Pittsfield mayor.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayoral candidate Linda Tyer says blight will be one of her top priorities should she be elected in November.

 

The current city clerk stood in front of the vacant former Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, which has become overgrown and dilapidated, on Thursday to show an example of one of the many blighted properties in the city.

 

"Only a short distance from here is our city's most important economic development opportunity — the William Stanley Business Park. On all four sides of the William Stanley Business Park you will find properties just like this one that are neglected properties that have fallen into disrepair," Tyer said.

 

"We must do more to inspire investment at the William Stanley Business Park. And, this right here, is a barrier to inspiration."

 

She is calling for ordinance changes to require landlords to register with the city so when a building is left unattended, officials can track down the owners. She also wants to create a committee comprised of housing developers, real estate agents and landlords to develop a program to salvage properties. 

 

"Rather than operating from crisis mode, let's begin the process early," Tyer said. "I recommend a proactive, prevention approach. One that starts with simple communication to all business and residential landlords about the city's standards for property maintenance. ... 

 

"And, if a friendly reminder doesn't work, then we need to apply a little more pressure. Using the city's existing regulations and code enforcement team we can step in. A coordinated effort led by the mayor's office bringing together Health, Building, Fire, Police, and Community Development."

 

Hiring additional nuisance and code enforcement officers is "on the table" in what her approach would be, she said.

 

She calls for bolstering inspections of properties before they get to the point at which owners have to be taken to Land Court. Additionally, Tyer said the city only razes a few properties each year and funding for that could be increased if needed.

 

"Blight creates a fast-growing disease that brings down a neighborhood, promotes bad attitudes and behavior and supports crime. And reduces property values. We have just completed a revaluation of all the city's properties. Some of our homes have lost value and will be difficult to sell. That hurts your most valuable asset: Your home," Tyer said.

 

Her plan isn't to just go after commercial owners but also residential owners. 

 

The city clerk is challenging Mayor Daniel Bianchi for the seat in the corner office.

"This team will met every two weeks to discuss the active condemnation and housing list and to review business properties that have become blighted," she said. "We'll prioritize by specific criteria such as imminent health and safety, abandonment, and what is salvageable. We will prevent new blight and continue moving toward demolishing structures that are past the point of salvage."

 

The Board of Health deals with blight problems and the city's Community Development Department performs some demolitions. Tyer said the issues aren't with those bodies but with the lack of a coordinated effort among all city departments. She hopes to be more aggressive on the issue, she said. 

 

"We can do more as a local government before we get to Land Court," she said.

 

Tyer, flanked by former Mayor James Ruberto, City Councilor Barry Clairmont and a half-dozen supporters, said her plans won't just improve values but will also create a psychological effect on other owners to improve their properties and attract new developments. 

 

"This issue is vital for those of us who live and work here now and for those we hope to welcome as new neighbors and new businesses. It's a matter of community pride. Let's make our city ready for good things to happen," Tyer said.

 

Tyer is challenging incumbent Daniel Bianchi for the corner office. Also in the race is Eric Bassett and Craig Gaetani.