(Washington, DC) – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced a new program on the final day of Building Safety week to better secure the District’s vacant properties to prevent vandalism, illegal activity and dangerous conditions in neighborhoods.

Mayor Fenty and Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Director Linda K. Argo announced a 60-day pilot program to test a new steel reinforcement system to secure nuisance vacant properties that will make them nearly impenetrable.

“My goal is to eliminate all vacant property in the District and put these homes and buildings back into productive use,” Mayor Fenty said. “As we work to reach that goal, we need to ensure these buildings are as safe and secure as possible.”

The one-of-a-kind system is currently being used in Chicago, Philadelphia, Newark, Baltimore and other major US cities battling the proliferation of vacant properties.

Mayor Fenty made the announcement outside of 1515 Rhode Island Avenue, NE, the site of the pilot program, which despite being continually secured by DCRA, became a haven for illegal activity in the neighborhood.  While many of the 2,173 properties currently identified as vacant in the District are well maintained, some neglectful property owners fail to properly secure their buildings making them susceptible to squatters and other illegal activity.  An estimated 10 to 25 percent of the vacant properties may fall into this “nuisance” category at any given time.

Director Argo said DCRA purchases nearly 1,500 sheets of plywood annually to secure vacant properties. Yet, plywood sheets are prone to rot and deteriorate and quickly become targets for vandals. Last week, several teens became trapped in a vacant property after entering through a damaged plywood barrier.

“Almost everyday we are being called to replace the plywood barriers we use to secure buildings that have been removed or literally broken through,” Argo said. “These vacant properties become harbors for criminal activity and are simply dangerous.”

“Putting plywood over doors and windows only exacerbates the blight in our neighborhoods,” Argo said. “We feel this not only provides the highest level of security available but also looks so much better.”

Following the 60-day pilot project, Argo said DCRA is considering legislation that would require owners of these nuisance vacant properties to install this system. If they refuse, DCRA will install the panels and place on a lien on the properties for all installation and removal costs.

The new system, manufactured and installed by the Chicago-based Vacant Property Security Inc., uses reusable steel screens that are installed without damaging the building in any way. The new system allows light filtration and air circulation that helps prevent mold growth, making properties more viable candidates for immediate renovations.

DCRA is asking residents and property owners to email the agency at vacantproperty@dc.gov with comments about the system. Photos of the property and other buildings that currently have the steel system in place are available on the DCRA web site.

The District requires all property owners to register their properties with DCRA within 30 days after they become vacant. Informational materials on exemptions, vacant property registration forms and appeal information are available at dcra.dc.gov. All properties classified as vacant by DCRA and do not meet any exemptions are subject to the new vacant property tax assessment of $10 per $100 assessed value.