New bill aims to help municipalities handle abandoned houses, vacant lots
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., — A bill expediting the process for blighted houses across Illinois has passed both houses of the legislature.
Now it’s up for the governor signature.
Lawmakers say this could increase the number of properties Springfield is able to take back.
We’ve been hearing from Springfield residents that houses often sit abandon in neighborhoods for decades.
This new bill, Senate Bill 1721 , would give the city power to reclaim more of these properties in less time.
It would shorten the court process for cities like Springfield to gain control of abandon properties.
It also allows municipalities to team up with land banks to manage vacant buildings so they don’t collapse.
The interest rates for unpaid property taxes would also be reduced, which the bill’s sponsor says will keep people inside those homes.
“Up until now, it’s been a nightmare for local governments to try and get a hold of these properties," said Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford. "It just gives these governments more tools to get it through the court system more quickly so they can intervene.”
Stadelman says this is a state wide issue and he hopes it will revitalize our neighborhoods.
The city tells me it’s a lack of funding that really holds them back from demolishing more abandon buildings.
While there’s no funding source in this bill, Stadelman says the agreement with land banks could help solve some of their problem.
The city of Springfield says they’re working on a new list of vacant lots up for sale.
We’ll bring you that information as soon as we receive it.
