LaSata Looks To Address Abandoned Businesses

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State Representative Kim LaSata is taking a look at drafting legislation designed to crack down on the owners of abandoned, dilapidated businesses. She tells WSJM News the move comes on the heels of legislation she’s working on to do the same to the owners of abandoned homes. LaSata tells us when a former business just sits there for years not being used, it’s an eyesore.

“Really, it’s a blight on our community,” LaSata said. “So, I’m looking at the possibility of being able to do something with those. Maybe there’s a ten year time frame that a business can sit empty.”

LaSata can point to a few such locations in Benton Township. The former Arby’s on Napier, the former Walgreen’s on Pipestone, the former Hardee’s on Pipestone, etc. She says after ten years of inactivity, the owners of the property should have to demolish. She’s in talks to get legislation to that effect rolling. LaSata is also pushing a plan that would require the owners of abandoned homes to pay for their demolition.