The Springfield, MA city board has ordered the demolition of 16 abandoned buildings, continuing a program aimed at ridding the city of blighted, dangerous structures.

The demolition list, approved by the Structural Review Board last week, is the third list of properties targeted under a $2.5 million bond with demolition beginning soon on the first two rounds. In addition, the city demolished 36 blighted, abandoned buildings under a prior $1.8 million program.

The first two rounds under the current bond order total 21 residential and commercial buildings.

The Structural Review Board acts on recommendations by Code Enforcement Commissioner Steven T. Desilets, in cases where a building is deemed a public safety hazard. The city pays for the demolition of the buildings and attaches a lien in an effort to recoup the city's costs.

"Some have been abandoned for such a long period, there are life safety issues," Desilets said. "It is also a quality of life issue."

The board consists of the fire chief, city engineer and a private licensed contractor.

The Springfield Finance Control Board approved the latest demolition funds in December. Some projects include environmental cleanup such as asbestos removal.

"Clearly, this project is extremely important to us," said Tina M. Quagliato, program manager of the Springfield Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services. "The city is working very hard to eliminate blighted properties throughout the various neighborhoods in the city. We think this money overall will help us improve the quality of life for residents throughout the city."

The latest round of houses are scattered in neighborhoods including McKnight, Pine Point, Upper Hill, Metro Center, and the North End. The majority have a significant history of code enforcement violations.

Quagliato said she anticipates there will be another two or three rounds of buildings slated for demolition under the current program.