Harrington News

The Harrington Public Development Authority met Tuesday evening at city hall with Jay Kane, Allen Barth, Josh Steward, Paul Charlton, Bunny Haugan, Margie Hall and Jay Gossett present.

Discussions continued regarding the potential acquisition of the Landmark Apartments by the PDA and potential interest of others in the sales of several of the vacant buildings. Rumors of the sale of the tavern were found to be rumors.

Safety concerns were addressed regarding vacant buildings and adjoining buildings, insurance, appearance and liability. With the approaching “Cruisin’ Harrington” spring festival in May, concern was expressed on the appearance and safety of both vacant buildings and vacant lots. As was recalled, last summer tall grass became a fire hazard and the city sent letters to property owners to remedy the situation. Attention at this meeting was drawn toward city ordinance #389 on what constitutes nuisance property in the city limits, provisions for abatement and for penalties for violation of the ordinance.

The ordinance consists of eight pages of definitions, conditions and rules; it further contains a copy of the “Notice To Abate Unsafe or Unlawful Condition” to be signed by the Enforcement Officer. Property owners have ten days to remove the nuisance or to appeal with a protest to the notice. Following this process, the mayor is to report to the City Council, a review meeting is to be held with all parties notified, and the council determines when the responsible party must abate the nuisance. If the person responsible does not fulfill his responsibility by the appointed time, the City may cause the nuisance to be abated. The expenses incurred by the City becomes a civil debt owed to the City. Stricter rules apply to conditions deemed “immediate danger”. The next PDA meeting will be Feb 17. Those interested in the economic development of Harrington are invited to attend.