Durham Trying To Rid City Of Commercial Eyesores

"Durham, like other cities in the Triangle, lacks the legal authority to deal with blighted nonresidential buildings. So when it comes to run-down places, the city can't force owners to clean them up or tear them down." In order to combat crime and low property values, the city has drafted a new ordinance that would allow dilapidated commercial properties to be demolished if they are not repaired, similar to existing rules for residential structures. Building owners say forcing them to repair or demolish could bring its own set of problems, as well as a hefty cost.