Ponce approves ordinance to expropriate properties considered public eyesores
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 7 hours ago
- 1 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
Ponce Mayor Marlese Sifre Rodríguez announced Monday the approval of a new municipal ordinance that will allow the expropriation of properties deemed public nuisances, with the goal of rehabilitating them and repurposing them for affordable housing and community development.
The measure, known as Ordinance No. 16, Series 2025–2026, establishes a modern legal framework for intervening in, acquiring and disposing of abandoned properties. It also repeals previous municipal provisions to bring local regulations in line with current Puerto Rico state laws.
“We recognize that access to decent, safe, and affordable housing is a fundamental right,” Sifre Rodríguez said. “This administration reaffirms its commitment to revitalizing communities and offering real development opportunities for our families.”
The ordinance includes the creation of a Public Nuisance Unit, which will operate under the Municipal Public Housing Office. The unit will be responsible for receiving complaints, imposing fines, managing expropriated properties, and coordinating their rehabilitation or rental through a newly established Municipal Property Bank.
Proceeds from the expropriations will be directed to a Special Expropriation Fund, designed to strengthen housing, employment and economic development programs in the city.
The ordinance will take effect 10 days after its publication in a newspaper of general or regional circulation.