Crackdown on vacant buildings moves ahead in La Salle

Almost three years ago, Kathy Tomlinson of La Salle went to her city council asking for something to be done about vacant buildings. Two of those are now off the list.

Building inspector Chris Covert says the city now owns an abandoned 4-unit apartment building in the 600 block of 6th Street and is in the process of tearing it down. It’s the culmination of an almost three-year long legal battle over ownership of the property.

Another vacant property in the 600 block of 9th Street was finally sold after the city pressured the previous owner into action. That building is now in the process of being remodeled.

City Attorney James McPhedran says the city has taken an aggressive stance on vacant properties and will continue to address the problem.