So Chicago residents are pleading with banks and lenders not to just board up properties and walk away. They’re asking for the courtesy of maintaining the homes.

"The property has no effective oversight," said Geoff Smith, a senior vice president of the Woodstock Institute. This research institute found that the abandoned homes could cost Chicago $36 million. "Those properties are highly at risk of falling into disrepair and becoming blight."

The Woodstock Institute's recent study red flagged nearly 1,900 homes of concern in the city.

"That affects the overall real estate market, the city's ability to deliver services," Smith said. "It affects an individual's ability to access potential equity in their home."

Residents have said that seeing boarded-up homes reminds them of prison camp and they’re concerned with the prospect of vandalism and crime. They’d like to see the homes sold quickly to neighbors who can restore it to keep the community vibrant.

"When they invest their money they should think of the little people," said Roseland resident Mary Merrill. "It would help them in the long run. It would help everybody."

The city’s 311 line is available if you’re concerned about a vacant property. It is the nonemergency contact for Chicago where customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

-Source: ABC 7 Chicago