Lower Hudson Valley Towns Still Grapple With 'Zombie' Homes

A recently released report shows that despite efforts by local towns to keep so-called "zombie" homes maintained, it is still difficult to prevent the negative impact to surrounding properties in the Lower Hudson Valley, Lohud.com reports.

A new study shows that not only do bank-owned foreclosures affect a neighborhood, but so-called zombie homes have a negative impact as well.
Photo Credit: *Wikimedia Commons*

Amy Maciaszek

01/21/2016 7:00 p.m.

The report, issued by State Sen. Jeff Klein and Mount Vernon Mayor Rich Thomas, shows that nearly $20 million in property value has gone down the drain because of neglected bank-owned and "zombie" homes. The report describes zombie homes as vacant because of planned foreclosure, yet banks haven't taken ownership, according to Lohud.com.

Out of the 26 Westchester communities studied, Mount Vernon took the biggest hit from the problem. The report estimated that nearly $9 million in property value was slashed as a result of the 20 bank-onwed parcels and 19 zombie properties in town, Lohud.com says.

Click here to read the lohud.com story.

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