Tackling South Bend's vacant house problem

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — South Bend city officials will meet with the new director  of code enforcement Tuesday to figure out how to handle the city's vacant property issue.

The meeting will focus on what role code enforcement will play in tackling the problem.

Code enforcement is tasked with finding the vacant properties and fixing problems. 

Recently, the mayor along with code enforcement proposed a plan to address 1,000 homes in 1,000 days.

According to city officials, it costs South Bend $6,000 to knock down a house.

But the mayor says it is well worth it because they are a safety hazard. His plan is to rehab homes first, if possible. And if not, tear them down.

Code enforcement will deal with that plan as well as address vacant buildings.

The meeting Tuesday will address some of these issues. It is expected to start at around 7 p.m. at the LaSalle Branch Library.