Neighbors say torn down abandoned homes are eyesores in neighborhood

Mayor Greg Ballard announced a plan Saturday to tear down nearly 600 unsafe abandoned homes by the end of 2011. As the first house came down on near east side of Indianapolis, others in the city started to wonder about eyesores in their own areas.

David Harshbarger said the abandoned home next to him on West 60th street has been in shambles for seven years.

"The inside of the house is totally gutted,” said Harshbarger. “There are animals inside the house and feral dogs. I'm just tired of it.”

He said he has called the city, but the most that has been done is mowing and boarding up the home. Now, he said he has new hope that the mayor's initiative could get this eyesore a second look.

The plan aims to take down about 2,000 structures by the end of 2012 using roughly $10 million from the recent Citizen's utility transfer.

"That list continues to grow,” said Kara Brooks with the Indianapolis Department of Public Works. “We plan to add to that list monthly. People most definitely have a voice. They still have time to contact the health department.”

Brooks said the first step is for the Health and Hospital Inspectors to declare the home either structurally unsound or unlivable. Then there is a court process for the city to take possession of the abandoned property. Then the city will bid the demolition job out to area contractors.

The Abandoned Structures Initiative is part of the Rebuild Indy project. The best number to call for a health inspection of a home is (317) 221-2000.