Danville City Council voted Tuesday night to spend an additional $2.1 million to move forward with the demolition of 166 derelict properties currently in various stages of the demolition process.
The money comes from cash reserves that previously was not designated for use.
The 166 derelict properties include 53 houses ready for asbestos inspections and 113 houses that are ready for demolition.
Tuesday night’s action allows the city to expand its efforts at eradicating blighted properties. City officials note that blighted property adversely affects the community by depressing property values, reducing property tax assessments, diminishing neighborhood quality of life, negatively affecting health, breeding crime, increasing the cost of municipal services, and making Danville unattractive.
City Council voted 7-2 to appropriate the money.