Several factors can go into a piece of property becoming an eyesore or dilapidated. With the formation of the Lawrence County Land Bank, the village of Chesapeake is joining the effort to clean up problematic and potentially hazardous properties within the village.

This is an important step in the right direction for Chesapeake, as the village is home to many beautiful views from various perspectives of the countryside and the Ohio River.

Getting involved with the Land Bank and applying for grants can certainly help offset the costs often associated with cleanup efforts like this.

However, as nice as those views are, just looking on the other side of the street, like in the hillside of Rockwood Avenue, can paint a much different picture.

Eyesores like these derelict homes are rightfully a focus, and we applaud the village leaders and Interim Police Chief Randy Lewis for taking an active approach in trying to clean up.

Village leaders will be enforcing the village ordinances much closer as it relates to neglected or abandoned homes. However, while we certainly understand enforcement of the ordinance, collecting the $100 fine may be just as difficult as the cleanup effort.

Getting involved with the Land Bank and applying for grants can certainly help offset the costs often associated with cleanup efforts and help alleviate some of the financial burden.

But having a plan and executing the plan is a good initial step.