Baldwin Park : City Targets Blighted Areas
The City Council voted 3-1 Wednesday in favor of aggressive code enforcement to clean up blighted areas.
The Council majority rejected as inadequate a proposal by City Manager Donald Penman to hire one code enforcement officer for a modest inspection program.
Mayor Bette Lowes supported the recommendation, saying it would be irresponsible to plan a more comprehensive program when the city does not have funding for it.
But Councilman Martin Gallegos argued for a hard-line stance on code violators, saying the program would pay for itself through improved property values and fine collections.
Penman said he would outline a more vigorous enforcement program at a council meeting next month.
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