Common Council okays fines for vandalism of vacant buildings

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Common Council okayed an ordinance which levels a penalty of up to $5,000 for someone convicted of vandalizing a vacant building and causing more than $500 damage to the property.

Alderman Willie Wade was the primary sponsor of the ordinance.

Wade said in a statement issued Thursday, April 12th -- “It’s clear that vandalized vacant buildings become havens for further vandalism, as well as arson and drug crimes, representing not only a drain of valuable governmental resources, but also creating a significant reduction of the quality of life for the surrounding neighborhood."