FT. LAUDERDALE – The Broward County Commission has approved the creation of a blue-ribbon panel to develop recommendations that will assist property owners in foreclosure.
The goal is to bring these experts together to look at this widespread problem and come back with recommendations that will identify opportunities to assist members of this community using information and funding that is already available,” said Broward County Mayor Lois Wexler. “We’re looking to create a comprehensive strategy to give people information in order to prevent or intervene in foreclosures using all of our available resources.”
The blue-ribbon panel will include Mayor Wexler, five city officials, a number of housing experts, a representative from the Broward County Clerk of the Courts, Legal Aid, United Way of Broward County and the Mortgage Bankers of Broward County.
Broward County estimates that there were 24,672 foreclosure filings in 2007; that number may include duplicate filings on a single residence from entities such as a homeowner’s association, second or third mortgages, etc.
Legal Aid of Broward County brought forth the idea warning of the impact of increased foreclosures on the community.
“This impacts taxes, lowers property values and increases the need for social services,” said Anthony Carriuolo, Chair of the Legal Aid executive council.
The panel will meet over the next six months and come back with recommendations for the Broward County Commission to review.
