Toledo residents want abandoned properties to be addressed

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Some Toledo residents don’t feel like they’re being heard.

They said they have concerns about a number of abandoned properties in their area and want to see them cleaned up.

If you go to the corner of Western Avenue and Sumner Street, you’ll see some properties with shattered windows, siding is falling and brick foundations are deteriorating.

Some residents who want to be anonymous said they’re tired of what appears to be vacant, nuisance homes. But it’s not just how they look that’s bothersome.

“I think the thing that scares me the most is having a fire in one of these houses,” said one resident.

There are two homes along Western Avenue at the center of the residents’ concerns.

When 13 Action News pulled into the area, our crews could see what looked like a tree or a large branch that had fallen in the backyard in between the two homes and it appears it took part of the roof with it.

“I don’t know if the city’s been over, I have no idea what’s going on with it,” the other resident said.

At 208 Western Ave., these residents believe the homeowner is dead. They claim the house has sat, slowly declining while attracting unwanted guests over the years.

Through the Lucas County Auditor’s website, 13 Action News found that property taxes were last paid in 2015. A city of Toledo spokesperson added there’s a nuisance property order for this spot.

Next door, 210 Western Ave., the city spokesperson said it’s a potential demolition candidate. The statement went on to say:

“The city prefers to work with property owners whose buildings are deemed public nuisances by formally notifying them and allowing time to respond and/or come into compliance.”

13 Action News tried to get ahold of the homeowner but, as of Wednesday afternoon, haven’t heard back.

“I think the best thing for the city would be for them to be torn down,” one resident said.

These residents said they would like to see other properties on the same corner addressed too. It’s all an effort to improve the look of the neighborhood and hold homeowners, accountable.

“Our neighborhood feels overlooked and it has for all these years,” one resident said.

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