Elgin should inspect foreclosed homes

This letter is to express my support for Chuck Keysor's proposal to inspect each and every foreclosed house in the city of Elgin, to maintain a database for anyone to access the results of inspection, and to require an occupancy permit before any foreclosed home can be sold to another owner.

As a resident of the southwest area for 20 years, I have seen many changes. The street on which I reside was stable for many years, with small but tidy, well kept homes.

Within the last three to four years, I have witnessed a drastic change to my neighborhood - there is or have been eight foreclosed homes within a two block area on my street alone. These homes were either bought by people who have trampled a perfectly fine home into a forlorn version of its former self, or flipped by inept, "contractors" that did the shoddiest work imaginable. After attending several open houses, I was dismayed by the condition of these homes.

I believe that Keysor's proposal would be a very smart, proactive solution to a continuing problem that has plagued the older neighborhoods in this city. We have stood by helplessly and watched our beloved neighborhoods decay long enough. I encourage the city council, Mr. Stegall and Mayor Schock to initiate this program as quickly as possible.

Kathy Moore

Elgin