UPDATE: Oak Creek officials are urgently revamping the town’s nuisance code, shifting enforcement to a municipal court system to tackle long-standing property issues. This significant move was announced during the Board of Trustees meeting on January 22, 2024, as part of a broader initiative to enhance community safety and property values.
The current system, described by Town Administrator Louis Fineberg as “not workable,” has led to numerous complaints about derelict buildings and junk accumulation. Fineberg emphasized the need for a clearer, court-based process, similar to that of neighboring Steamboat Springs, to effectively address these persistent problems. “If the code is convoluted, it’s hard to enforce,” he stated, urging the board to adopt legal standards that eliminate ambiguity.
Under the proposed changes, nuisance violations will no longer be overseen by the Board of Trustees. Instead, the code enforcement officer will issue written notices for violations, giving property owners a strict timeline—often seven days—to correct issues. Failure to comply will result in citations that could escalate to municipal court, where judges will have the authority to impose fines and other penalties.
Mayor Melissa Dobbins hailed the proposal as “the real deal,” reflecting the community’s desire for more effective code enforcement. “This is what the community is asking for,” she said, highlighting the urgency to “clean up” neglected properties. However, Dobbins cautioned that the new enforcement approach could lead to tensions among board members and residents, urging a unified front as the town navigates these changes.
Fineberg acknowledged the sensitivity of the undertaking, particularly for long-time residents who may struggle with compliance. “We need to be respectful of how this could impact community members,” he noted, recognizing the emotional ties many have to their properties. He assured that the enforcement will focus on the most severe cases, rather than a broad crackdown.
The initiative has gained traction following a series of complaints from residents about unsecured vacant buildings and other nuisance conditions that have made the community feel unsafe. “The town had let me know that they wanted to pursue code enforcement because they felt it was too lax,” Fineberg explained, noting that many current rules are not only difficult to enforce but are also vague and open to interpretation.
To mitigate potential backlash, Fineberg emphasized the importance of clear definitions for terms such as “noxious weeds” and “stagnant ponds.” “Most challenges to these things happen on procedure,” he stated, highlighting the critical need for a legally sound framework to avoid dismissals due to procedural errors.
As the town prepares to implement these changes, officials are set to review the revised draft of the code at the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting on February 26, 2024. Fineberg aims to finalize the new code, with hopes for it to be in effect by this spring.
The community awaits this transformation as Oak Creek takes decisive steps to improve property conditions, safety, and the overall character of the town. The urgency of these changes resonates with residents eager for a cleaner, safer environment, and the board’s commitment to enforcement signals a pivotal moment in Oak Creek’s governance.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds in the coming weeks.
