Recovery needs to be successful
To the editor:
Sanibel’s delayed recovery is due to a combination of natural disasters (hurricanes and tropical storms in 2022-2024) and man-made disasters. The city needs an effective strategy to deal with the glut of distressed and dangerous residential properties. It’s helpful to prioritize them by type of ownership, what liens already exist on each one, and dangers presented to public health and safety.
The second monthly hearing about distressed properties was on April 21. Six cases were heard during the 2.5 hour meeting. Of those distressed properties discussed, four are investment properties that have been vacant since purchase. (Two are owned by Metro Holdings in Minneapolis, one by Alterra Group and one by AKO Investment in Fort Lauderdale.) Notices of violation and hearings were sent certified mail but, although notices were signed and returned, the owners never responded to the city and did not attend the hearing. Of the other two distressed properties, one is owned by a family trust and the other is the gas station near the Sanibel Causeway, recently purchased by Automated Petroleum & Energy, which has a cottage in disrepair on the lot.
I respect Code Enforcement Officer Glenn Nixon and City Attorney John Agnew. For each case, they laboriously outlined the many ways in which these properties violate LDC Sections 126-1313 and 126-1314. In several cases, there is danger to human health and safety (e.g., pools in unsound condition or unsecured, vacant houses in unsound condition, and debris covering the property). Fines of up to $500 per day are possible and can be added as liens on the properties.
Sanibel real estate sales have plummeted, and the monthly real estate magazine has grown to the size of a small phone book. The large inventory of unsold properties hurts everyone on the island, the city’s financial situation, and chances for Sanibel’s recovery.
When owners of distressed or dangerous properties ignore notices of violation from the city and face few penalties, Code Enforcement is hampered. We all understand a process must be followed, but the city might better represent Sanibel’s recovery efforts by taking decisive action against owners of distressed and dangerous properties. There is hardly one street on our island without an unrepaired house and/or debris on the property. You need only drive around Sanibel from the east end up to Blind Pass to see why recovery efforts have stalled. When the city permits owners to allow their properties to be overwhelmed with debris and tall weeds, it is obviously not the same as a yard with native vegetation.
The city council recently asked our city manager what tools he needs to improve this situation and two ordinances have been or will be enacted — a good start. It would also help residents to get public weekly progress reports from the city, which the mayor is considering. We all care about Sanibel and need recovery to be successful.
Alison Ward
Sanibel