ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — After reintroducing reminder emails for expiring Residential Occupancy Permits (ROP), Albany officials are reporting significant compliance progress. City officials said that the email reminders are a proactive approach to prevent additional permits from expiring.
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So far this year, the city said it has sent 530 60-day and 575 30-day reminder emails to property owners about upcoming ROP expirations. The city’s ROPs are being tracked in a database by the Albany Code Department.
The increase in expired ROPs stems from building ownership changes, and the city reported that the code department has seen more scheduled inspections. Albany reintroduced the email reminders in February.
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Albany officials began questioning the ROP process after two people died in a fire on Western Avenue early last December that had an expired ROP. Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs said that work continues despite the progress that’s been made.
“We have made measurable progress, and that is a direct result of the work happening under the leadership of Director Valerie Scott and her team,” Applyrs said. “They are building a system that is proactive, organized, and responsive. We are continuing to improve communication with landlords and work towards strengthening enforcement. It is imperative that our residents live in safe conditions in our City.”…