"My green dollars are just as good as anyone on the upper end neighborhood paying their green dollars on their taxes too," said resident Vanessa Miller.
Residents explain these abandoned homes and lots are magnets for illegal activity, trash, and vermin...pointing to health and safety hazards.
"We care about our homes, we care about our area, we care about our families," said resident Pat Cormier. "But it's the negative people that take over."
Community members say of course there are short term fixes but they're also searching for long term solutions as well.
For example, community based organization Action United supports the Vacant Lot Bill. They say it would take roughly ten thousand vacant properties owned by the city, put them into a land bank, and give neighbors a voice.
"You'd have community members getting a say on what happens in their neighborhood," said Action United's Lindsey Duchac.
A Licenses and Inspections spokesperson says the department was unable to attend today's event due to scheduling. She said through L and I's vacant property management strategy they're working to hold private owners accountable through citations and fines.
Officials on the tour, including Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and State Senator Anthony Williams, spoke about getting these trouble spots under control to stop sinking property values and keep neighbors safe.
"The important thing is enforcement, making individuals do their jobs," said Johnson.
