Board Of Supervisors Working To Create LA Foreclosure Registry

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The Board of Supervisors agreed Tuesday to consider developing a registry of foreclosed homes in unincorporated areas in order to reduce blight in Los Angeles County.

Supervisor Don Knabe, who recommended tracking foreclosures, said the county is currently in the position of reacting to neighbors' complaints months after homes are abandoned.

"It is the responsibility of owners, which are often banks, to manage these properties, but this maintenance often does not take place," Knabe said.

"Blighted and unkempt homes can lower property values, lead to increased crime, and decrease the quality of life for the surrounding neighbors."

He said a registry of properties could track homes early in the foreclosure process and allow the county to push banks and owners to maintain their properties.

In a unanimous vote, the board directed the Department of Public Works to work with planning and public health officials, legal counsel and other staffers to research the feasibility of a foreclosure tracking system in unincorporated areas of the county.

A report back is expected in 60 days.