Abandoned Buildings Are Dangerous Eyesores

By Ross Gill

I've given the subject of empty buildings some thought over the years and I still haven't come up with a solution. When a company chooses to build in Ashland they could be asked to sign an agreement that would stipulate that the company would be responsible for the maintenance on the building in the event of abandonment. Would that make Ashland less attractive to businesses? Probably. Would making the owner responsible for demolition, after X years, make Ashland a less attractive site for a new businesses ? Probably.

The ownership of the building could be transferred to  the city or county, whichevr would have the option of utilizing the building, leasing the building, or selling the building to the highest bidder with the understanding that the buyer would either lease the structure, demolish it for scrap value, or gift it to the city or county. Could the city or county be stuck with orphaned buildings that would sit and molder just as those presently in town and, to a lesser extent, in the county.

I have to believe that rats and assorted vermin, not to mention kids, are attracted to the derelict structures. Such places are perfect for rodents, but not so for kids. They are exposed to broken glass, rodent feces, rotten flooring, rusted metal, chemical residue, and possibly containers of hazardous chemicals. Even janitorial chemicals pose a threat.

We have one big list of abandoned buildings, Kmart, multiple units in the former Walmart Plaza, F.E. Myers and Brothers, Hess and Clark, Garbers, Kresco, and lots of space in, if not totally abandoned, buildings downtown. There are probably abandoned homes.

Do other countries have this problem. Do any of them have a solution? Do any of you have a solution? I suppose that, if I strained my brain, I could come up with more half measures. I'd like to have comments and suggestions from readers, please.