Supposedly unknown mortgage brokers duped strawberry pickers and day laborers near Watsonville, California into thinking they could afford homes, and have since left town.
Concerned about dozens of foreclosures and families on the street?
The Watsonville City Council were considering drafting an ordinance that would require the banks and lenders fiscally responsible for the dozens of homes that have been abandoned to register with the city when they file a notice of default and maintain the houses.
“We need to be proactive,” said John Doughty, director of community planning for the city. “This is just another tool in the tool box.”
Doughty told the council that at the very least the ordinance should address the boarded-up houses that have boards that do not match the exterior paint to the house. [story]