Neighbors Want City To Tear Down Derelict House That's Attracting Squatters

SEATTLE - Neighbors say they're sick and tired of it, a derelict house on their block that's become a magnet for criminal activity. The City of Seattle bought the property and is supposed to knock it down to expand Thornton Creek Park.

For the last four months Mike Sink has been busy patrolling outside and inside the abandoned house down the street from his home. "This door is still locked, but of course people are still throwing trash down there," said Sink.

According to Mike the old property has become a real eyesore.

"It's a great neighborhood, we love Maple Leaf and it's just unfortunate that we have this one house that's a problem," said Sink.

Mike says he's been spending his time looking for squatters that have taken over the property after the owner sold it to the City.

"I mean I think there's potential for arson, they've been using a camping stove inside with propane cylinders the potential for fire, the potential for someone to get hurt in the house, potential for drug use, nobody wants that in their neighborhood," said Sink.

The neighborhood activist says the Parks Departments is supposed to tear down the home and use the land for Thornton Creek Park. But, he says neighbors have heard that story before.

"There was a house sitting on that property the Park Service bought, it was about 2 years ago and it sat empty for almost 2 years before it was demolished," said Sink.

Neighbors say Seattle Police are keeping a constant watch on the house, looking for squatters and drug users. Officers were there on Saturday just before our Q13 Fox News crew arrived. The squatters were gone though. Mike believes they slip in and out during the night. He says the City needs to find a way to permanently kick them out.

"Have the property fenced off secured in some way until they're able to tear it down, more security patrols on a regular basis," said Sink.

So, while he waits for action from the City, Mike says he'll keep up his patrols. He's crossing his fingers that the City doesn't drag its feet with the new park addition.

"We're hopeful, but seeing what happened with the other property that sat empty for almost 2 years that's the real concern we don't want to go through that same thing again," said Sink.

Mike says he's contacted Mayor Mike McGinn's Office and the City Council to find out when the house could be demolished so far he hasn't gotten any details. We contacted the Mayor's Office and Parks Department too, and we're told new information could be available on Monday.