Long Island Residents Protest Against Spread Of 'Zombie Homes'

HAUPPAGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Long Island residents forced to live near so-called "zombie homes" are demanding state officials take action.

Demonstrators gathered outside the offices of state Sens. Thomas Croci and Kemp Hannon on Friday. Their districts have nearly 900 abandoned "zombie properties".

Residents claim the homes are a huge eyesore that lower property values in neighborhoods and attract crime.

Levette Silas says the abandoned "zombie home" next door to her Deer Park house is a huge problem for the neighborhood.

"We have to call the police often because of the heroin problems now. Who is watching? Who is living in there?" Silas said. "I live in this beautiful home but next door it looks like nobody cares."

"We want to make sure that he knows that this is a priority for the community and that we expect his leadership on this," Walter Barivo said, adding ignoring these zombie properties is no longer an option.

Residents said they need help caring for the abandoned properties, or removing them, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.