Neighbors happy about demolition of abandoned home

There was relief Tuesday night for homeowners whove stared at an eyesore for more than a decade.

Crews tore down a home near 36th and Franklin streets Tuesday. The home is was just one of hundreds that have been demolished as the city tackles the problem of abandoned homes.

-- Video:Homeowners relieved after demolition of eyesore

The city is pushing ahead to calm concern about vacant property. Although crews have already demolished hundreds of homes on the tear-down list this year, they still have a ways to go.

Neighbor Herbert Brown was glad to see demolition equipment Tuesday after staring at anabandoned home for about a decade.

I saw him over here, I came out to the front door and I told him I was very glad to see him. He laughed and said I bet you are, said Brown.

The home finally rose to the top of Omahas demolition list -- a list that included nearly 800 addresses at the start of the year.

Were systematically going through the process now and taking the worst of the worst. Mostly those that are fire-damaged and structurally-damaged, then vacant and vandalized, said Jim Davis, Omaha's assistant planning director.

Davis said that procedure has helped the city make the most of about $750,000 in city and grant money. They still have about $150,000 left to tackle more homes this year.

Weve been very aggressive. We have a long way to go yet, he said.

See the rest here:
Neighbors happy about demolition of abandoned home