Several local governments are getting money from the New York State Attorney General’s Office to combat so-called zombie homes that threaten neighborhood safety and quality of life.

The City of Binghamton is getting $250,000. The Village of Endicott is getting $52,500. The Village of Johnson City is allocated $100,000 and the City of Cortland is also getting $100,000.

Abandoned properties bring down the values of other lots in the neighborhood, harbor crime and could be redeveloped into useful projects.

Eric Schneiderman’s office says the money will help local governments’ efforts to enforce housing codes, track and monitor vacant properties and make sure banks and mortgage companies maintain foreclosed parcels and follow local and state laws.

The grants were awarded under the Zombie Remediation and Prevention Initiative.

 

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