The number of vacant homes is increasing in our neighborhoods. Unoccupied homes affect all of us. They are eye-sores and reduce the overall appeal of our area, thereby decreasing property values. Vacant homes also pose serious safety hazards.

Here’s an example of what can happen when there are abandoned homes in or community:

Hello President Karen,
I just wanted to let you know what happened on my street. There are 8 or more empty homes owned by the banks or lost due to foreclosure, the house on the corner (18000 Greenlawn) for weeks had broken windows and doors opened unsecured, we called, 911, 1-800 speak-up and until a 13 year old girl was raped (Thursday, May 15, 2008) no one helped. Why is it that some one must become a victim before action is taken? Now the windows are boarded. 

I am writing a letter to the owner of the property soon as I get the name. That should not have happened on our street, we did what we could but it still wasn’t enough.

The Bagley Community Council Environmental Committee is in the process of identifying ALLvacant homes in our community. We are working with Wayne County and the City of Detroit to identify property owners who do not maintain these homes (secure doors & windows, cut grass, shovel snow, etc.). In cases where owners do not cooperate in securing their property, and the home presents a danger to our community, we will use the Wayne County Nuisance Abatement Program to have the property seized.

What Can You Do?
Help us out by giving us a list of all of the empty homes on your block. If you know who owns the property, that will be helpful too. Leave the information on our voicemail (313.927.2674), email it to us atbagleycommunitycouncil@yahoo.com, or just post it in the comments of this article.

With your help, we can ensure the safety of everyone in our community.

Karen Palmer
President (As of 2014 – Former President)
Bagley Community Council, Inc.