The City of Casey Addresses Blighted Properties
Industry Update
December 4, 2023
Source: wthitv.com
The city of Casey, Illinois, is trying to clean up some blighted properties. It’s something many residents are eager to see.
News 10 spoke with several residents and visitors from out of town about these blighted properties. Most say these eyesores in the community don’t go unnoticed.
“Basically all throughout the United States, there’s just abandoned houses are in a little bit of rougher shape,” said Logan Elbers, one local visitor.
Mayor Mike Nichols has made it a priority to enhance neighborhoods by tearing down abandoned and neglected buildings. Nichols says some of these properties are unsafe. Whether they’re occupied or not, he says all of them are in desperate need of change.
“Porches that are partially collapsed, you’ve got yards that look more like a forest that are harboring animals that can create health problems also,” said Nichols.
The city is currently looking at 17 properties that need to be revamped. Nichols says he’s turned to the city attorney and local law enforcement for assistance. Depending on the size and material of the house, it can cost between $10,000 to $15,000 to tear one structure down.
Nichols says the city has already notified several property owners about this problem. The city will either purchase the property itself, or the owners will have to correct the situation.
“I don’t want to come off as heavy-handed to the folks on the property, but I want to come off as caring and trying to make things better for the people living in those homes, or people living around those homes, or the citizens in Casey,” said Nichols.
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