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Detroit to Demolish 1,500 Vacant Homes

BY: Leigh Ann Renzulli | Detroit | June 27, 2012

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing announced plans Tuesday to demolish 1,500 abandoned homes in the next three months, reports the Detroit Free Press.

As residents have fled the city in record numbers, their homes have sometimes been inhabited by thieves, drug dealers, gangs and rapists. The abandoned buildings are also prone to fires, causing a daily struggle for the city's fire department that will soon see nearly a quarter of its firefighters laid off.

Bing reportedly pledged to level at least 10,000 of these dangerous homes in his four-year term, which ends next year, and has so far demolished 4,500 structures.

Karla Henderson, Bing’s group executive for planning and facilities, told the Free Press that the 1,500 demolitions will cost the cash-strapped city $13 million to $15 million.

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Leigh Ann Renzulli

Twitter: @governing

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