Vacant buildings hurting property value

CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio (Jeff Hirsh) -- The Great Recession may be over but the great aftermath is still with us.Vacant, foreclosed houses are driving down property values for homeowners who live nearby them. Local 12 looked at the issue in the Clermont County community but it could just as easily be anywhere.With an American flag in the front yard, Paul Brownstead is proud of his house and his community with one exception; right across the street. A house on Tealtown Road is a reminder that the Great Recession of a few years ago has left its mark. A few blocks away it looks like there's a ghost but it's just the wind. Other houses are vacant as well along with another next door.Dozens of homes in Union Township were victims of the mortgage crisis but townships have their hands tied by Ohio law. As long as somebody pays the taxes and keeps the house in safe condition the township cannot tear it down. Officials wanted to demolish one, but an out-of-town bank which foreclosed on the property brought it up to minimum code standards and is deciding what to do next, which could take a while.John McGraw, a Township Trustee, said, Unfortunately a boarded up structure, if it's safe, could sit here for years. So we're really looking for more help on the state level to give localities more power to do something about this.As bad as the building looks now, it was once even worse. At one time the grass was two feet high and the township had to come in and cut it down. There was an old shed in the back that was demolished and there were junker cars. So what the house looks like now is actually good compared to what it was. But this 'good' is actually pretty bad.There's plenty of good in Union Township; a new high school, most houses are fine, and two vacant lots are actually positive. Abandoned houses were torn down after non-payment of taxes. Habitat for Humanity will build new homes. Boarded up and trash-covered property is a nationwide problem, not just here. But it's also a problem for one neighbor at a time.Local 12 News contacted the out-of-town bank, which owns the boarded up house, but did not hear back. If there is a response Local 12 will update with more information as it becomes available. Follow Jeff Hirsh on Twitter @local12jeff and LIKE him on Facebook