A new ordinance in Rossville would allow the city to order repairs be made to dilapidated buildings or to eventually demolish them if the owners do not comply.
The Rossville City Council this week unanimously adopted Ordinance 440, which officials say will help cut down on blight, but opponents worry will set a dangerous precedent.
Burned-out and caved-in buildings pockmark city maps, and the city has been trying to do something about them for years, Councilman Nathan Bain said.
“When you come through Rossville, it’s easy to see them,” he said.
Vice Mayor Teddy Harris said the ordinance should force some property owners to take care of their land and should boost the value of nearby property.