The city should rigidly enforce code violations, making owners pay the price of neglect. The county, which takes title to tax-delinquent neglected buildings through foreclosure, should also crack down. By attaching such penalties to the building at the time of sale or demolition, there would be far less financial incentive to allow the properties to deteriorate. To its credit, the Historic Albany Foundation will explore the mayor's partnership offer when it meets later this month. But stewardship is only half of the solution.
Responsible ownership is the other.
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