Parma knocks down community eyesores

PARMA, Ohio - Last week, the city of Parma bought foreclosed properties. On Thursday, it started knocking them down.

People who live in Parma complained the old houses were eyesores in their communities. The Cleveland suburb was one of several Northeast Ohio cities awarded a grant from the neighborhood stabilization program.

Parma is using the funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to combat the ripple effects foreclosure properties have on communities.

Parma Mayor Dean DePiero said more than 20 homes will be demolished this year. The city is hoping for another grant next year to continue the program.

Residents who live next door to the vacant houses are being offered the chance to purchase the land for the price of the property taxes.

Residents told Newschannel5 Parma's plan increases the property value of their homes.