Mayor Fischer tours area with many vacant properties

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A city leader gave Mayor Greg Fischer a first hand look at a problem that's plaguing part of Louisville.

Councilwoman Attica Scott took Mayor Fischer Saturday morning on what she called "a reality ride."

District 1 - which covers part of west Louisville - has the third highest number of vacant and abandoned properties.

The boarded up homes increase crime, devalue properties and cost the city money.

Fischer told reporters the city has spent nearly $10 million on vacant property upkeep since merger.

"Part of the concern is there are no eyes in these properties to watch so criminals know these are targets. It also does something to the hope of the neighborhood who feel like nobody cares about us - and nobody cares about our street, our neighborhood, our blocks," says Scott.

She took over as councilwoman after Judy Green resigned.

She is hoping to work with Mayor Fischer to address this issue.

Fischer says they're working with the state legislature to change the law - to allow the city to be able to seize more properties.