Mid-Michigan's urban cities are plagued with unsafe abandoned buildings.
To-date the City of Flnt has knocked down 1,100 unsafe structures in the city.
Now, there are plans to demolish 500 abandoned homes this year.
We took to the streets of Flint today and residents say abandoned homes are causing a lot of problems in their communities.
Driving down the streets of Flint there are dozens if not hundreds of buildings that are vacant, wide open.
According to residents many have remained this way for quite some time, wreaking havoc in the community.
"It's an eyesore, its dangerous to children they can walk right in and fall. also anyone can stash things away there's dumping that goes on here," said Joyce King, longtime resident.
For Joyce King this community has been home for more than 30 years, she says property values are down and people shy away from moving into this area.
"It gives the feeling that you don't care when buildings are left open like this," said King.
"Criminals can come do criminal acts and stick what ever they want to in some of these abandoned buildings some people that are homeless may try to live in these places."
Now, the city of Flint says it wants to tear down 500 vacant properties in 2009, with more than $2-million in federal and state aid. good news for residents.
Targeted areas of demolitions include areas near forest park, off of King Ave.
Homes near Hurley, Kettering University, and Ballenger Park.
And right in this area off of Dupont Street..
Plus homes south of Carpenter Ave. near Home Ave, and Saginaw Rd.
