MONTICELLO — The first-ever “Blight Blitz” came to Monticello on Saturday, when volunteers teamed up with local government officials to map properties in need of repair and renovation.

The event was organized by Jill Weyer of the Sullivan County Division of Environmental Management and David Sager, the Monticello Village Manager.

Using a phone app called “Loveland,” the team hit the streets of Monticello, documenting several dozen properties and vacant parcels, and noting such things as unsafe buildings, unsightly appearances, overgrown foliage, downed trees and other issues of concern.

The Loveland app company is dedicated to mapping America online parcel by parcel. They work with governments, developers, neighborhood groups, and passionate individuals to gather and present information about properties.

The purpose of the “Blight Blitz” project is to document the over 1,900 parcels within the village limits and make an action plan on how to work with property owners to address code violations and assist with beautification of properties.

Sager said that some vacant properties and land were recently purchased at tax auction and the village will be contacting the new owners to clean up these properties. He also said that " By doing this blight study, the Village of Monticello is taking the initiative to begin to address property maintenance and housing issues that affect the quality of life of our residents and community.

“Our goal,” continued Sager, “is to have a comprehensive inventory of every parcel within village boundaries completed within the next month. From there we can begin to target certain blocks, streets or neighborhoods that are most in need of improvement. We can address certain issues through strict code enforcement, but more importantly, we can seek out groups that want to invest in us, work with current property owners and seek grants that can assist in the rehabilitation process. Once again, we are determined to bring Monticello back as not only the urban hub of Sullivan County, but it's proud county seat and a great place to live and raise a family."

Co-organizer Jill Weyer said, “This inventory will allow the Village to determine what the existing conditions are of the housing stock and to better plan for programs to improve the community." She indicated that another blight blitz will be scheduled soon, and they hope to recruit more volunteers to help inventory the properties.