New Boston is having a major issue with abandoned houses. As of now there are six abandoned properties on Stanton Avenue and others throughout the village. Most of these houses are easily entered as windows are broken, doors are either unlocked or dont have locks and grass and various varments are throughout the properties. Additionally, children are getting in and can easily be injured. We also have had situations where vagrants have been living in some of these dwellings.
Because of the condition of these houses, the New Boston Service Department is forced to cut grass and provide safety precautions at each. Not only does this create additional work for the service employees but these houses bring down the property values for surrounding properties.
Another major concern this coming winter is if vagrants get into these houses and try to build fires they could not only burn the houses up but other homes in the area as well.
The village has tried continuously to contact owners of these houses but many are out of state and just don't respond. There are bank mortgages on some and back taxes owed as well.
We are trying hard to work out a mechanism whereby some of these properties can be purchased by developers but that is taking some time. If you know of anyone interested in acquiring any of these properties, please contact me or Village Administrator Steve Hamilton at the New Boston Community Center.
Mike Payton
9-12-2010
