UPDATE: Fort Worth has just announced the launch of the Nuisance Enforcement Task Force (NET Force), a decisive initiative aimed at tackling the city’s most problematic properties to enhance community safety. Set to commence in January, this pilot program is Fort Worth City Hall’s bold response to ongoing criminal activity and code compliance issues.
City Manager Jay Chapa and Code Compliance Director Brian Daugherty briefed the Fort Worth City Council on this urgent initiative, which unites ten city departments including Code Compliance, Development Services, Environmental Services, Fire, and Police. This collaborative effort seeks to restore order and alleviate safety concerns by targeting the city’s most troublesome properties.
Critical targets for the NET Force include the Eco Motel on East Lancaster Avenue, Rocky’s I and II on Hemphill Street, and the Sandy Oak Apartments on Sandy Lane. These locations were specifically selected due to their histories of criminal activity, code violations, and significant negative impacts on their surrounding communities. Daugherty emphasized, “NET Force is a focused, multi-departmental enforcement initiative that aggressively targets Fort Worth’s most persistent nuisance properties to restore compliance and enhance community safety.”
As this initiative unfolds, the city plans to utilize a data dashboard, currently in development, to determine future targets based on objective metrics. During the initial phase of the NET Force, expenses will be tracked within existing departmental budgets, with a projected annual cost of up to $3.5 million. This includes staff time for inspections, legal support, property abatement activities, and other necessary departmental costs.
Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about the NET Force’s progress and its impact on their neighborhoods. With a focus on enhancing safety and compliance, Fort Worth aims to create a more secure environment for all residents.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the NET Force prepares to take action against Fort Worth’s most challenging properties.
