6,000 Columbus Homes Vacant

COLUMBUS — More than 6,000 houses in Columbus are listed as vacant.

“I’ve got two vacant houses for three years now,” Clara Supik says.

When Supik walks outside her home on Avondale Avenue, she sees the two vacant properties on either side of hers.

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“There’s been racoons that come from this house. There’s also been numerous people. Of course they’re going to throw trash in the yard that nobody lives in, which is still not acceptable,” Supik says.

Supik says the empty houses on either side of hers attract squatters, crime and trash.

“We ended up cleaning it up because it goes into our yard you know especially being caught in between the two,” she explains.

Vacant homes at 301 and 307 Avondale Avenue are on a list of more than 6,000 in the city of Columbus. Both are listed in poor condition. One has been vacant so long that the date on its sign has faded away.

Supik says her safety is in jeopardy.

“If somebody was to catch the house on fire, if it was to be arsoned, believable, it would definitely affect me in a great way. I mean, nobody wants to have the house next door on fire,” Supik says.

When it comes to vacant homes, Supik’s message to the city is clear.

“If you’re not gonna do anything about it, then take them down, fix them up or take them down, one or the other,” she says.

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Reporter: Ashley Yore
Web Producer: Kellie Hanna6,000 Columbus Homes Vacant

Posted: Thursday, January 5 2012, 06:57 PM EST