DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — City leaders in Dayton say they want to speed up the number of vacant houses and buildings being demolished.
The Dayton Daily News (http://bit.ly/ThleHj ) reports that the city has demolished 1,100 abandoned buildings at a cost of nearly $10 million since 2009.
City officials say getting rid of the vacant buildings will stabilize property values, reduce crime, and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods.
One city commissioner says it's the top issue neighborhoods.
The city plans to spend more than $5 million to demolish 475 abandoned structures next year. The biggest challenge is finding enough qualified contractors to do the work.
Fire officials say removing the vacant buildings means fewer fires.
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Information from: Dayton Daily News, http://www.daytondailynews.com
