Local lawmakers believe more federal demolition funds must be found to stop the dramatic drop in northeast Ohio property values. Former Cuyahoga County Treasurer Jim Rokakis said he believes the number of condemned homes and buildings in northeast Ohio has ballooned to 30,000. Rokakis blamed foreclosures and irresponsible banks, investment firms and individuals who have walked away or ignored their distressed properties. The growth in vacant houses comes at a time when federal neighborhood stabilization funds, used to demolish these homes, will soon run dry. Rokakis said vacant homes are one of the leading causes of a dramatic drop in...