The Daily Eyesore

If anyone needs their driveway and sidewalk cleared for $20, my friend Robert Randazzo is available to do it. Robert helped dig out my driveway and two sidewalks today and cleared my Ford Escape of snow. It was hard work and he did it at my home in Warren without complaint with his shovel and snowblower. He is an unemployed mason and looking for opportunities to make money to take care of his family during the winter. When he finished, Robert told me: "My wife thanks you." Nice guy and a hard worker. Call him today if you need help digging out: 586-876-5470. Mention my name when you call. --- HAWKE FRACASSA

Blight Fight Takes New Turn in Detroit

DETROIT (WJBK) - Officials have launched a new auction website to help sell Detroit-owned houses as part of an effort to fight blight.

One home will be auctioned each day on the land bank site beginning May 5. Twelve of the homes are located in the city's East English Village.

You can view the homes on www.buildingdetroit.org. FOX 2's M.L. Elrick reports the homes will be open for inspection on April 27.

Bidding for each home starts at $1,000 and will increase in increments of $100 until a winner is declared.

Not just anybody, though, can purchase the home. Mayor Mike Duggan said at a news conference Monday those with a history of losing property or of code violations will not be eligible to bid.

Detroit has been struggling for years with vacant and dangerous buildings, often demolishing them. This new plan is designed to get empty houses into the hands of people who will quickly fix them up.

Duggan said last week that Detroit will post legal notices on empty houses and take court action if needed against owners of blighted properties in one northwest side neighborhood.