During a recent village board meeting, officials discussed the pressing issue of unsafe and abandoned properties within the community. The village engineer and code enforcement officer are tasked with inspecting these properties to determine their safety. If a property is deemed uninhabitable, a report is submitted to the owner, who has the opportunity to contest the findings. Should the owner fail to address the issues, the board is authorized to initiate litigation for demolition.

Concerns were raised about several properties that have fallen into disrepair, with specific mention of structural damage such as rotting floorboards and burst piping, which pose significant risks to public safety. The board noted that in recent years, they have successfully mandated the demolition of four to five such properties, emphasizing the ongoing danger these abandoned structures present to the community.

Additionally, the board highlighted the need for better property maintenance, particularly in cases of foreclosure. It was noted that banks are required to maintain these properties, yet violations often occur when owners neglect their responsibilities. The code enforcement officer is expected to compile a list of neglected properties to ensure compliance with local regulations.

The discussion also touched on the potential for vacant homes to attract criminal activity, including drug use, and the recent trend of abandoned homes being set on fire in nearby areas. Board members expressed a strong commitment to addressing these issues promptly to safeguard the community's well-being.