Benton Township has announced a new push to eliminate blight throughout the community.

Last fall, the township updated its blight rules to make some violations civil infractions rather than criminal matters. That was to make it easier for building officials to enforce rules on things like trash and dilapidated structures. Speaking Monday, Benton Township Supervisor Cathy Yates said since the start of enhanced enforcement, some residents have complained, but she wants everyone to know the crackdown is happing all across the township, focusing on residents, businesses, and schools. The township has had a variety of issues.

“Residents parking on their lawns, not keeping their trash like they should, in containers and ready to be destroyed,” Yates said. “Them telling on each other and then finding out that they have something and then they’re upset with us. If you call and tell us about a violation, we’re looking at you too. No one is exempt from this.”

Under the new initiative, residents found to be in violation of the township ordinance will receive a warning. After that, the township attorney will be notified, and then tickets will be issued. Property owners will have 30 days to resolve any problems. Yates said if a building’s issues can’t be fixed, then the owner needs to start thinking demolition.

Benton Township Police Chief Greg Abrams says this isn’t about punishing people, but ensuring the community is a good place to live.

“We’re serious about keeping our township clean,” Abrams said. “We’re serious about junk vehicles, trash, overgrown grass. We’re serious about these things. We want our neighbors to know that we hear them.”

The blight enforcement initiative is being led by police, township building officials, and the township attorney. Yates told us the township has already hired two additional inspectors to respond to blighted properties.

Township attorney Ashliegh Russett says a particular concern is abandoned buildings and schools because they pose a safety risk, especially to kids.

Anyone with questions can contact Benton Township Hall.