foreclosure

NYS State Senator Touts Good Neighbor Bill

Allison Dunne — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:36:40 +0000

A New York state Senator will be in Poughkeepsie today to talk about his good neighbor bill.

Berkshires See Spike in Demand for Foreclosure Prevention Programs

Lucas Willard — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:19:50 +0000

In the first quarter of 2013, the foreclosure crisis affecting Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires appears to be worsening despite national trends of an improving housing market.

Springfield City Council Rejects Changes To Foreclosure Ordinance

Paul Tuthill — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:27:00 +0000

City councilors in Springfield Massachusetts have voted to reject a settlement with several banks over a foreclosure ordinance.

The vote means the city can implement the ordinance even if the banks continue to challenge its legality in the federal appeals court. The ordinance, passed in 2011, and upheld by a federal judge last year requires banks to post a$10,000 bond to maintain and secure vacant foreclosed property. City councilor Melvin Edwards said city taxpayers will no longer have to pay to eradicate the blight that results from foreclosure.

Changes Called For In Housing Policies

Paul Tuthill — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:22:00 +0000

Community activists in several US cities are calling for changes in housing policies. They point to a shortage of affordable housing in the midst of a surplus of vacant, bank-foreclosed properties. One of the cities where anti-poverty activists point to what they see as a housing crisis is Springfield Massachusetts.

Springfield City Council To Take Up Changes To Foreclosure Law

Paul Tuthill — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:58:00 +0000

City Councilors in Springfield Massachusetts Monday night will consider changing a foreclosure ordinance to settle a lawsuit by several banks.

Activists Oppose Changes To Foreclosure Ordinance

Paul Tuthill — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:25:00 +0000

The city of Springfield Massachusetts is considering changing a local ordinance that was hailed as a national model for addressing problems caused by foreclosures. Community activists, who championed the ordinance when it passed almost two years ago, accuse city officials of caving into the banks.

Morning headlines with Judy Patrick of the Daily Gazette

David Guistina — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:59:21 +0000

WAMC's David Guistina gets the morning headlines from Judy Patrick, editor of the Daily Gazette.

MA House Passes Foreclosure Prevention Compromise Bill

Lucas Willard — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 21:06:01 +0000

The Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed a compromise bill designed to prevent unnecessary home foreclosures in the state by forcing modifications for certain mortgage loans. WAMC’s Lucas Willard has more…

State representatives voted unanimously in favor of the conference committee's compromise bill Wednesday. It now heads to the Senate, which is expected to vote on the proposal during its Thursday session.

Activists Seek Implementation Of Anti-foreclosure Law

Paul Tuthill — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:25:00 +0000

A federal court ruling clears the way for the city of Springfield Massachusetts to implement a foreclosure ordinance. Housing rights advocates predict the local law will become a model for other cities and states struggling with the blight caused by foreclosed vacant property. WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.