Editorial: Abandoned homes more than eyesores

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2000 | 2:46 a.m.

Abandoned buildings not only hinder economic development, but they also are an insult to local residents who live near them. The eyesores also can be dangerous, especially for children. So it is encouraging that Las Vegas City Hall is drafting an ordinance to crack down on abandoned buildings, controlling their number and condition.

Sharon Segerblom, the city's Neighborhood Services director, says many of the buildings are owned by out-of-state mortgage holders and banks. These structures are nothing but trouble, straining city services since they're plagued by crime and fires. It's long overdue that the owners of abandoned buildings get the message that the city will no longer tolerate this blight.

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