The Housing Task Force gave an update at the Washington City Council meeting last night. The group addressed nuisance abatement, enhancing neighborhood pride, landlord responsibility, housing stock improvement and shared comments from the public, as well as a slide show of deteriorating properties in the city.

Karen Gorham spearheaded the task force.

Ultimately, what the group recommends is that the city council enstate a permanent housing committee, provide better communication to tenants, landlords and property owners about city codes that regulate the safety and appearance of property, while tactfully using volunteers to help neighbors complete projects.

Mayor Sandra Johnson applauded the group and stated that at the council’s work session next week they will begin discussing how to develop a road map and priorities to address these issues.