OKC's Plan To Keep Tabs On Vacant And Abandoned Homes

OKC hopes to create a registry of its abandoned and vacant homes.

Under a proposal first introduced to City Council Tuesday, homeowners of abandoned homes would have to pay $285 to join the registry. An additional $190 will have to be paid each year after. Failure to register would result in fines.

"Our concern is that people aren't motivated to maintain their property and keep it up," says Rick Wickekamp, the Ast. Dir. Of Development Services of OKC.

The city estimates there are around 12,000 abandoned and vacant homes in OKC. The city says the areas that have vacant homes can turn into crime havens.

"We've had a gun pulled on us," says Bill Walker, who is contracted through the city to board up vacant properties.

Wickenkamp believes only 30% the homeowners will sign up in the first year for the registry.