Midland mayor Lori Blong is responding to growing concerns over abandoned and unsafe buildings. She recently posted a message on Facebook to bring attention to the city's efforts to tackle the issue.
Mayor Blong identified specific locations, such as the Vaughn Building in downtown Midland and an abandoned motel in south Midland, where broken windows and doors have become signs of unauthorized entry and potential safety hazards. Acknowledging the city's growth and development, Mayor Blong expressed her concern over the increasing number of dilapidated structures in certain areas.
Mayor Blong said the city council has also received a surge of calls and emails from concerned Midlanders. Crime hotspots are emerging in some of the abandoned buildings.
The city council has provided initial approval to a new ordinance to address abandoned and unsafe buildings. The ordinance grants the city the authority to secure dangerous vacant sites, preventing unauthorized access.
Mayor Blong announced that the second reading for the ordinance is scheduled this month. if approved, the city will begin to secure abandoned buildings.
To view city council agendas and minutes, visit the City of Midland website.