The city of Albany's administration made a smart and decisive move in shifting apartment inspections away from firefighters to civilian code enforcement officers. The firefighters' union and the state arbitrator better leave well enough alone ("City faulted in code enforcement switch," May 31). Firefighters are at their best putting out fires and responding to emergency calls.
More should be done to upgrade code enforcement. Violators throughout the city are ruining the neighborhoods. More patrols should be made; and more violators issued warnings.
If the infractions are not addressed, then fines should follow. Issues that should be targeted by these patrols should include painting of the dwellings, broken stoops, anything that makes the house and property look shabby. The city administration should also have low-percentage loans available for those who cannot afford to repair violations.
Overall, the city has been lax when it comes to code enforcement. Stricter enforcement is needed. Patrols would make it so code enforcers don't have to wait on complaints from neighbors.
Albert Paolucci
Albany