The UNIT performs A.C.T.I.O.N. (Active Commitment Towards Improving Our Neighborhoods) on a routine basis each month.  This is a process in which the UNIT proactively patrols our neighborhoods and performs visual inspections on properties, as well as interacts with residents to ensure that quality of life issues are being maintained. Over the last year, approximately 51% of UNIT activity was a direct result of ACTION. Simultaneously, the UNIT hosts neighborhood meetings for our residents. These meetings include the Mayor and help to educate Danbury’s residents about community standards of health and safety, as well as zoning rules and regulations.

  Properties littered with trash are prone to rodent infestation, foul odors and overall, an eyesore that brings the neighborhood down. Our department ensures that property owners and tenants keep their properties clean with follow up inspections.  In 2010, the UNIT handled nearly 1200 quality of life issues. As a result of the UNIT’s intervention, nearly 400 properties littered with debris were cleaned up.

  With the economic challenges over the past few years, there has been an increase in abandoned and foreclosed homes. This creates concern in neighborhoods as lawns do not get maintained, debris is often left outside and in many cases, the homes are not secure.  While it is a challenging task to work with the often distant lending institutions, the UNIT becomes actively involved to ensure that the property is secure and maintained.

  The UNIT also addressed approximately 100 properties with concerns regarding illegal, overcrowded and/or unsafe occupancy. Often tenants of overcrowded apartments are found living in unapproved and unsafe spaces such as basements and attics.  In most cases, temperature control is lacking, extension cords are unsafely rampant throughout the home, and most importantly, there is a lack of adequate sized windows to escape from in case of a fire emergency. Of the properties inspected by our department in this past year, there is no way of measuring the lives that have potentially been saved as a result of the UNIT’s unwavering commitment to eliminate these unsafe living conditions.

  Another responsibility overseen by the UNIT encompasses illegally parked or unregistered motor vehicles.  Over 300 properties in our community were relieved of vehicles which were either parked on the front lawn of someone’s property, or were unregistered and were required to be removed. With the assistance of the Police Department, the UNIT also removed unregistered and/or abandoned vehicles from Danbury’s roads.  In 2010, the UNIT collaborated with the Danbury Police to cite vehicles parked on sidewalks issuing approximately $14,000 in citations.

  Additionally, the UNIT handled over 300 miscellaneous concerns ranging from un-permitted construction, neighborhood nuisances, safety conditions, zoning violations, and illegal dumping, etc.  The UNIT is challenged with an essential role in attempting to curb illegal dumping, however, it is extremely difficult. Our department issues fines to violators, as well as requiring them to clean up the mess. Additionally, our department is committed to routinely cleaning up areas around town prone to the problems of illegal dumping and litter.

  The Office of Neighborhood Assistance prides itself on our quick response, professional service and appropriate follow up to the concerns of the residents of Danbury. Our Office’s most notable accomplishments are measured everyday , each resolved issue equals a small, individual success resulting in the overall positive appearance of Danbury’s neighborhoods.