Screening Vacant Lots

At my suggestion, the City Council is likely to adopt new regulations that require the owners of vacant lots in commercial areas to screen their properties with wrought-iron fences and evergreens. This requirement, while certainly not a substitute for positive development of underutilized lots, will help improve the appearance of several commercial arteries and limit the blighting influence of vacant — and often unkempt — properties. The currently vacant parcel on North Avenue, directly across from Beechmont Drive, is a good example of a site that will benefit from this treatment.