Boston to Begin Crack Down on Unsafe Buildings

Boston inspectors are about to launch a crackdown on owners of nearly 150 vacant and unsafe buildings in a drive to improve the properties.

A team from the fire, inspection services and other departments will start in East Boston Monday and work throughout the city, reaching all 147 empty or abandoned properties that the fire department says are dangerous.

Mayor Thomas Menino says the goal is to put pressure on owners to restore them to a safe and sanitary condition. He says failure to do so will result in legal action by the city.

Menino established a task force following an Aug. 21 Roxbury warehouse fire, one of the biggest in Boston’s history.

Fire Commissioner Roderick J. Fraser says some buildings are so hazardous they’re a risk to life.