NC city wants law to take over dilapidated homes

WINSTON-SALEM — The city of Winston-Salem is asking legislators for a proposed law allowing officials to renovate dilapidated homes for needy residents.

The Winston-Salem Journal reported Tuesday that the city also wants a law allowing it to withhold vehicle registrations from drivers who haven’t paid parking tickets.

Those requests came as city officials gave a wish list to their legislative delegation. The 2009 session of the state Legislature starts Jan. 28.

Mayor Allen Joines says if the housing law is passed, the city would take over homes only in extreme cases. Joines said officials in Greensboro and Charlotte have similar authority.

The city already has authority to tear down homes it deems unsafe.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)