Tagged: blight

County and city officials in San Bernardino, Calif., are considering a controversial plan: using the power of eminent domain to take over "underwater" mortgages, where the value of the home is worth less than the original loan. Taking on those properties, officials say, would allow the homeowners to refinance those troubled loans.

A former hospital is among 20 blighted properties being auctioned this month in New Orleans.

A city news release says the former River of Life hospital was last appraised at $1.4 million, and the minimum bid is $933,333.33. The city is foreclosing because the owner owes more than $320,000 in taxes and liens.

It will be the only property sold July 12. Fifteen will be auctioned off on July 19, and four on July 26.

New Orleans has 43,000 blighted properties, more than any other American city. Fighting blight can be complex, But since Mayor Landrieu’s administration took office, there’s been an invigorated effort at easing the problem.

The city of New Orleans is giving notice to residents living in FEMA trailers that it's time to move. Eileen Fleming reports the city wants the trailers issued after Hurricane Katrina five years ago to be removed.