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Construction company helps demolish dangerous buildings for free - KCTV5 Construction company helps demolish dangerous buildings for free

By Emily Rittman, News Reporter Neighbors are celebrating that the dangerous buildings in their area are finally coming down, thanks to a local construction company.

Kissick Construction asked the city to remove red tape so they could help demolish some of the more than 1,200 dangerous buildings in Kansas City for free. The buildings are more than an eyesore to those that live nearby.

"It's a disinvestment in the neighborhood. The people who are homeowners on those blocks get very depressed. It makes it feel as though nobody's listening to them because they know these houses pose a little bit of trouble," said Brenda Thomas, the president of the Marlborough Community Coalition.

The construction company owners wanted to help, so they are using their heavy equipment to demolish the abandoned and dangerous buildings for free.

“A lot of those houses are in the neighborhood of our office. These are our neighbors. They have a real risk here with these houses. There can be crime, they can be drug houses. We just thought that's not the way we want our neighbors to have to live,” said co-owner Pete Browne.

Normally the city has to pay $8,500 to demolish a dangerous building. Kissick Construction's free work saved the city thousands of dollars.

Neighbors are thrilled that someone is willing to help.

“What else can you be but excited. Even in the cold they are out here tearing down the house. It's excellent,” Thomas said.

Those who live near two of the homes torn down by Kissick are already making plans for the soon-to-be empty lots.

“We might try to build a community garden or a pocket park,” Thomas said.

“We hope we are making a difference. We think everybody should jump in and make a difference in their community,” Browne said.

Kissick Construction hopes other construction companies in the area also donate their time.

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