WORCESTER—The Worcester City Council voted Tuesday to request a report on how the city could encourage new uses for long-abandoned properties, while also unanimously approving a proclamation declaring Dec. 18 International Migrants Day.
During its Dec. 16 meeting, the council discussed an order from District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj calling for escalating fees on property owners whose lots remain unused or deteriorating for five years or more. The council ultimately voted to file the order but approved a separate motion requesting guidance from the city administration on potential approaches.
Haxhiaj said some properties in her district have been abandoned for decades and continue to affect surrounding neighborhoods even when owners pay taxes and perform minimal upkeep.
“They do remain an eyesore for our neighborhoods,” she said, adding that the intent of the order is to identify ways to support owners while encouraging redevelopment. “My hope is that this is seen as an economic development tool for our neighborhoods.”
Councilor Luis Ojeda said he has seen vacant lots persist for decades, including during his childhood in District 4.
“People become used to them,” Ojeda said. “It’s unfair to the residents who live in those neighborhoods. We’ve gotta make some changes.”
Councilor Morris Bergman raised concerns about the wording of the order, noting it refers to “undeveloped lots” rather than properties with code violations.
“There are many lots in many neighborhoods that have been undeveloped for decades and the neighbors like it that way,” Bergman said. He also questioned whether the city should impose penalties on owners who are paying taxes and complying with the law. “I don’t think we, as a council, have a right to tell people what to do with their property.”
Councilor George Russell said he supported the overall intent but moved to request a report from the administration on how such properties could be better utilized, including zoning considerations and potential incentives.
“Without infringing on people’s property rights, I think there’s a way for the administration and the next council to get involved,” Russell said.
Councilor Khrystian King, who attended the meeting virtually, maintained that he sees merit in further study, noting potential benefits such as increased housing, reduced vandalism and higher neighborhood property values.
“This could incentivize those property owners to occupy, lease or sell,” King said.
The council voted unanimously to request a report from the administration, with an amendment from King outlining items to be included in the review.
The meeting grew contentious during discussion of a separate order from Haxhiaj proclaiming Dec. 18 as International Migrants Day.
Haxhiaj said the term “migrant” reflects more than legal status, describing the experiences of people who relocate in search of safety and opportunity. She referenced fears faced by immigrant communities amid federal enforcement actions.
King voiced support for the proclamation, citing Worcester’s history as a city shaped by immigration.
“From generation to generation, newcomers have built neighborhoods, our businesses, our schools, and our hospitals,” King said.
Councilor Donna Colorio said she supported the proclamation but disagreed with some of the comments made during discussion.
“This item, on face value, I will definitely support,” Colorio said. “I’m not supporting their ideology, I’m supporting this item, as it reads.”
Mayor Joe Petty also expressed support and urged the council to move forward.
“It’s very important to the immigrant community,” Petty said. “I think it’s pretty sad that we have innocent people being rounded up and [sent] out of the country.”
The proclamation passed unanimously.
Steve Smith, a veteran reporter with 17 years at The Hartford Courant, now brings his passion for photojournalism to Worcester. An award-winning photographer, he has covered major events like U.S. soccer, pro football, and UConn basketball. He is also the official photographer for the Miss Massachusetts competition and works as a realtor. Contact him at steve@stevephotographysmith.com
