STATEMENT: 10/1/2017: ZOMBIE STRUCTURES MUST COME DOWN!

The City of Mount Vernon has embarked on a program to proactively remove zombie homes that have a negative impact on the neighborhoods where they stand, as a safety and fire hazard and a magnet for crime and blight. Often these abandoned buildings are burnt structures that unless repaired promptly pose a hazard to its neighbors.

When there is an instance of a property owner abandoning a building, it is necessary that the city act in the best interest of the neighborhood to remove the compromised structure, be it across the street from a school, playground or adjoining homes. When the owners of blighted zombie properties will not act, the city needs to take action.

An examination of the bids submitted showed Queen City Carting had by far the lowest rates — more than 40% lower than the next highest bidder — to provide demolition, carting away and disposal of debris from the properties. Based upon the fact that only a few demolition contractors were interested in these jobs, and Queen City had performed well on previous work for the municipality, as well as offering the lowest bid by a significant amount, the city remained with them. The property owners will be held accountable for the costs.

The city was not notified of any prohibition on hiring this vendor. The low bid vendor has been paid for the first demolition. The invoices for the work done on the last two demolitions went to the Council for approval.