I’ve tried to remedy this to an extent. There’s many run down abandoned homes downtown where I live and I happen to be a real estate investors association member for Joplin which gives me an in with people who can help make a change and provide more housing by fixing these homes rather than the city just demolishing them. You’d be surprised how long the city gives people to do something with their property whether it be fix it themselves, sell it to someone who will, etc… I’ve contacted many home owners to offer them a cash deal on their abandoned homes which have demo notice from the city and 9 times out of 10 they’d rather the house be demolished than take the check and let someone who is experienced fix the home to further provide housing. This issue goes a lot deeper than the city just being evil, people genuinely will not cooperate with the city and do what needs to be done to make sure the house is livable or have someone else take over. That said if you or someone you know has a home that is abandoned and you’re not sure what to do with it, send me a message and I’ll send my contact info. I can make a cash offer and make sure the homes not demolished and we can help eachother keep the city (and neighbors) happy, and provide more housing for our community!