The Department of Housing and Economic Development of the City
of Trenton ("Department") shall administer the Adopt-a-Lot Program.
Any person, notwithstanding age, may petition to participate in the
program. Minor applicants must have a sponsoring individual over the
age of 18 co-sign their applications.
The application for participation in this program shall be created
by the Department and shall set forth the requirements for applying
for and participating in the program.
A. Any individual, organization, or group ("applicant" or "adopter")
shall complete an online application identifying the particular lot
for which they desire to become responsible and shall identify the
names and addresses of all participants, either on an individual or
group basis.
B. The applicant shall identify a plan for the continuous care, maintenance,
and use of the lot.
C. Applicants must have paid all real estate taxes due on all properties
owned, if any, in the City of Trenton and have no outstanding violations
on those properties.
D. Applicants may own or rent property with an occupied residential
or commercial structure immediately adjacent to the desired lot.
E. Applicants must hold the City harmless and indemnify the City from
liability for activities performed in connection with the program.
F. There shall be no application fee for the Adopt-a-Lot program.
The application shall be reviewed by the Department of Housing
and Economic Development of the City of Trenton and, at the discretion
of the Director or a designee, forwarded to any other appropriate
departments or divisions of this City for review and comment as to
the feasibility and compatibility of the individual, organization,
or group participating in the cleanup and care program. Approval of
applications shall be at the sole discretion of the Director or a
designee.
If a lot is adopted after the procedures have been followed,
as set forth herein, an appropriate sign or signs may be erected by
the City in a prominent place displaying the fact that this lot has
been adopted under this program and has qualified as a lot appropriately
cared for and maintained by the adopter.
No individual, organization, or group who performs any work
or services under this program shall be deemed to be an employee of
the City of Trenton, but merely volunteers, and the City shall be
held harmless from any negligent or careless acts of the individual,
organization, or group in the performance of any functions under the
program.
The City shall not be obligated to supply any tools, equipment,
supplies, or personnel for this program. Any and all tools, equipment
or supplies shall be furnished by the adopter.