IT’S ESTIMATED THERE ARE MORE THAN A THOUSAND VACANT AND ABANDONED HOMES IN ALBUQUERQUE. NOW THERE’S A PROPOSAL AT CITY HALL TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. CITY COUNCILOR DIANE GIBSON IS PROPOSING THAT A TASK FORCE BE FORMED TO LOOK AT ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROBLEM.
GIBSON SAYS MANY OF THE HOMES ARE BANK-OWNED OR IN THE PROCESS OF FORECLOSURE. SHE SAYS THAT’S ATTRACTIVE TO SQUATTERS AND PEOPLE COMMITTING ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES. SHE SAYS IT ESSENTIALLY CASTS A BLIGHT ON A NEIGHBORHOOD.
GIBSON SAYS THE TASK FORCE WOULD INCLUDE CITY STAFF AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS. THE CITY COUNCIL COULD TAKE A FINAL VOTE ON THE MATTER AT ITS MEETING WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
