by Calculated Risk on 2/22/2008 01:35:00 PM

Vacant homes are a negative externality for the neighbors; from unkempt yards, mosquito infected pools (see video at bottom of posts), fire hazards, and trespassers squatting in the homes (aka "bando", a homeless person living in an abandoned home) are just some of the problems.

To combat these problems, Minneapolis city leaders are encouraging neighbors to adopt vacant homes. From the StarTribune: City asks people to 'adopt' vacant houses

With the number of boarded homes increasing because of foreclosures, Minneapolis city leaders are encouraging neighbors and block clubs to "adopt" a vacant property on their block.

The article offers some advice for neighbors from the Police Department.

I had a vacant home next door to me for the last two years (now rented), and I picked up the flyers, performed minor yard work, and checked on the property on occasion. It was a minor inconvenience, but it was still a hassle.