BECKELY -
Abandoned homes all throughout the city of Beckley are causing folks in East Beckley to speak out.
Neighbors said this problem has been around for years and now they are turning to the city for answers.
Abandoned homes just like this one can be found all throughout the 5th ward of the city of Beckley. Neighbors say they've had enough and are asking the city to take action.
Broke.. Abandoned.. And forgotten-- by some--- but not by all.
"It brings the property value down for everyone and as you can see my neighbors we try and keep our places up but when someone moves out and no one moves in the houses go down," Clifford Washington of Beckley said.
For Washington the TWO uninhabitable homes across the street pose health and safety concerns for his neighborhoods. Home owners also said these abandoned homes are a eye sores that lower property values for the entire area. Now folks like Washington are turning to the City Council for help.
"It just hasn't been enough of a priority for the city administration," Ron Booker of Beckley City Council said.
For Booker this is a case close to home. Right next door is a not cared for abandoned home and he has had enough.
"The problem is that some of the structures in ward 5 have been here for 20 years. in the past year the city has been aggressive but I think we need to change tactics and the city needs to be more aggressive," Booker continued.
59 News did speak with Mayor Pugh over the phone. The Mayor said the city IS acting aggressively to get rid of these homes. He said it is a lengthy process to get the proper approval to demolish a home. But another city councilman that just isn't enough.
"There should be no excuse we should be more aggressive and we need to get these houses torn down," Cedric Robertson, Beckley City Council said.
We did contact Bob Cannon with the City's Code Enforcement Office. But he was out on town on training. 59 news will continue to follow up on this story.
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