[font=Verdana]The city of [/font][font=Verdana]Springfield[/font][font=Verdana], [/font][font=Verdana]Mass.[/font][font=Verdana] will solicit bids this week for demolition of 11 vacant buildings, continuing a program aimed at removing blight and improving the quality of life in the neighborhoods. [/font]

[font=Verdana]"This is a significant priority of the city," Mayor Charles V. Ryan said last week. "The backlog of these dilapidated buildings is daunting. We will keep moving ahead." [/font]

[font=Verdana]This is the third round of demolitions under a $1.8 million demolition fund authorized by the Finance Control Board last July. Many of the properties are abandoned and some were taken by the city for nonpayment of taxes. [/font]

[font=Verdana]In the first two rounds, the city chose 19 buildings in various neighborhoods for demolition. Approximately half the buildings have been demolished and razing of the others is pending. [/font]

[font=Verdana]In the latest round, most of the houses are in the Old Hill, Six Corners and Pine Point neighborhoods. [/font]

[font=Verdana]"I'm elated," Omega Johnson, president of the Old Hill Neighborhood Council, said. "It's a long time coming." [/font]

[font=Verdana]One of the major goals under the neighborhood's master plan is the removal of dilapidated buildings and the creation of new, affordable, single-family homes, Johnson said. [/font]

[font=Verdana]The blight reduction effort by the city will help draw people back to the neighborhoods and get rid of some of the drugs and violence, Johnson said. [/font]

[font=Verdana]In most cases, the properties have been vacant for years and have structural problems. Properties recommended for demolition are reviewed by a Structural Survey Board before they are razed. [/font]

[font=Verdana]In addition to setting aside $1.8 million for the demolition work, the city places liens on the properties to recoup at least some of the cost, returning any proceeds back to the revolving fund, officials said. [/font]

[font=Verdana]Bid packages will become available on Wednesday and proposals are due by May 3, at the Purchase Department at City Hall. [/font]

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