Minneapolis working to clean up long vacant buildings

Some vacant buildings in Minneapolis have sat empty for years. Some even decades. But that's all about to change.

"Those who have been here for extended prolonged periods of time, your time is up," says Minneapolis City Council member Robin Wonsley.

She was joined other city council members along with some community members outside a boarded up Burger King in North Minneapolis, calling it an example of the problem.

"There are blights on our neighborhood, they are a public health and safety issue," says Dan Suitor who lives next to a vacant home. "It's sort of boarded up, squirrels run in and out all day at night. Sometimes people go in and out as well."

Suitor says about 50 percent of vacant properties are in North Minneapolis.

The council approved the ordinance last week.  It will triple the financial penalties and limit the amount of time a property can remain vacant.