Ocean City P.R.E.S.S Committee Aims to Combat Problem Properties
Rowdy Street
(08/07/2014) – With the number of summer rentals at its peak, various town departments have joined forces to address property issues related to noise, sanitation, overcrowding and building code violations. The Property Review and Enforcement Strategies for Safe-housing (PRESS) Committee is a group of town officials authorized to address communitywide quality of life issues.
The group, consisting of members from the police, building, zoning, fire marshal and finance departments, functions as a task force designed to meet regularly and discuss civil and criminal code violations within the community. “The Committee identifies problems in a coordinated manner and responds with pro-active enforcement,” commented Planning and Community Development Assistant Director Blaine Smith. “Our main goal is to ensure the safety of residents and visitors by making sure structures and living conditions are code compliant. In all, we are working together to assure Ocean City remains a livable community for residents.”
In an effort to hold properties to a high standard and ensure code compliance, city agencies issue citations for various violations, including repeated violations of overcrowding, fire and life safety, noise, and other housing violations. P.R.E.S.S. members are hopeful that addressing complaints on a case by case basis will improve living conditions for residents and renters. In addition, the committee aims to improve structure and esthetics of buildings within the community.
The P.R.E.S.S. Committee encourages all community members to report properties that they feel may be in violation of a safety, building or health code. Citizens with complaints or concerns are asked to contact Blaine Smith, Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development at 410.289.8855
Carnival Pride passes under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on its way to the Caribbean from the Port of Baltimore, Md. THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY photo
