PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Portsmouth City Council has approved a new ordinance aimed at tackling blight by imposing higher tax rates on properties deemed blighted or derelict.
Council voted 7-0 Tuesday to adopt the measure, which creates a separate tax classification for blighted properties and derelict structures. Under the ordinance, blighted properties will be taxed at a rate 5% higher than the city’s standard real estate tax rate, while derelict buildings will be taxed at a rate 10% higher.
During a public hearing, resident David House voiced support for the ordinance and urged the city to continue addressing long-standing problem properties…