Ft. Laud. PD Launches Nuisance Abatement Webpage
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – In many neighborhoods, there's that one home that a real eyesore, or a magnet for trouble and illegal activity. If you're tired of complaining about it, there's a new way to stand up for your neighborhood.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department's Special Investigation Division has launched a new webpage where folks can report these homes and they get posted, pictures and all, on the webpage.
It's designed to help residents, neighborhood associations, and landlords in deterring illegal activity in their neighborhoods.
The webpage has photos and addresses of properties where nuisance abatement warning letters have been sent.
"It gives help to residents. We have a lot of people that really care about their neighborhood. We're trying to bridge the gap. Let the public know we are here to help them," said Det. Deanna Garcia of the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department.
One location that has made the Nuisance Abatement List is the Hurricane Motel on Ocean Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale.
Brian McNeeley who lives close by says the Motel has been a problem for 20 years.
"I've seen prostitutes stopping drivers. I've seen hookers, drug dealers, bums if I may use that word," said McNeely. "It's a problem."
McNeeley said it brings down property values and make people live in fear.
"We own 4 units, and the first thing people say is what's the story with that motel?' said McNeely. "I tell them we don't pay much attention to it."
CBS4 reached the owner of the motel over the phone.
"We are trying to comply with everything the city is asking. When it makes economic sense we will demolish the building and build condos," said Ghulan Usman.
John Sasek who lives across the street from the Hurricane Motel says the owner is trying.
"You can see the property is well manicured. The clientele has improved tremendously and I would say there are no annoyances at all," said Sasek.
The Nuisance Abatement Team does not address all reports of nuisance. Those that are not addressed include; noise complaints, barking dogs, loud music, code enforcement type complaints, and other non-criminal activity.
This webpage provides residents with the requirements for a property to be sent to the Nuisance Abatement Board and a clear understanding of the process. Residents are encouraged to browse this webpage, as there are many links to useful resources to help them stay informed.
Anyone interested in filing a nuisance related complaint, can email the board at flnab@fortlauderdale.gov and provide the address of the property, type of complaint (i.e. drug activity, prostitution, etc.) and the time of day which the activity takes place.
The Nuisance Abatement Board is an advisory board of the City of Fort Lauderdale. The Board meets at 7:00 P.M. in the first floor Chambers of City Hall, on the second Thursday of every month.
The properties that are currently under the jurisdiction of the Nuisance Abatement Board are available on www.flpd.org under the community tab.
