By Mark Wineka
mark.wineka@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Salisbury City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday on proposed changes to the city code related to vacant, neglected and abandoned residential properties.

The Housing Advocacy Commission made a presentation on the proposed changes at council’s Aug. 4 meeting. Hardly any area of the city is not affected by neglected and abandoned housing, according to members of the HAC.

A 2011 study identified more than 750 residential properties that were considered vacant and abandoned in Salisbury.

Council meets at 4 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 217 S. Main St. Meetings also are streamed live at www.salisburync.gov/webcast.

The efforts to address neglected and abandoned properties more aggressively would not come without a price.

Two additional code enforcement personnel would be recommended to fulfill what the Housing Advocacy Commission is recommending. With salaries, benefits, equipment, two new cars, travel and training, the cost would be roughly $194,744.

In other agenda items Tuesday, council:

• Will recognize the participants in the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program.

• Will hear a presentation on a Community Employment Workshop and Job Fair.

• Will consider reducing the speed limit on West Monroe Street between South Fulton Street and Brenner Avenue from 35 to 25 mph.

• Will consider removing on-street parking on Crawford Street, while adding some on-street parking on South Railroad Street.

• Will consider revisions to phases 3 and 4 of The Gables at Kepley Farm subdivision. Council also will consider a final subdivision plat for phase 3A of The Gables, subject to completion of voluntary annexation.

• Will have a first reading for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for taxi owner Archie Shavers, who does business as Safety Taxi Inc.

• Will look at proposed text amendments to the Land Development Ordinance in relation to child day-care facilities.

Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263.