City of Battle Creek Holding Community Conversation About Vacant Buildings

The City of Battle Creek is holding a community conversation on the city's ordinance for vacant and abandoned houses.

The meeting will take place at the City of Battle Creek Department of Public Works building, at 150 S. Kendall St. on March 9.

The current ordinance is up for revision, and was put into place in 2005 to improve the conditions of neighborhoods dealing with vacant and abandoned buildings.

“Many communities, certainly our size and larger, have a vacant and abandoned property ordinance,” said Community Services Director Marcie Gillette. “We want these properties to be put back into productive use but, while they’re abandoned, we want to make sure they are safe and not a danger to the neighborhoods.”

The community conversation will provide the public an opportunity to learn about proposed changes to the ordinance, with input being shared with the City Commission on April 12.

Those who cannot attend the conversation are welcome to send feedback to PublicInput@battlecreekmi.gov. The April 12 work session is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 10 N. Division St.

 

Beginning this Wednesday, March 2, an overview of the proposed changes will be available on the city’s website, www.battlecreekmi.gov. Scroll down the home page to the City Spotlight section.