[DC83]

Great idea! It's probably a foreclosed house or something.

Maybe the street/neighbourhood can come together to fix up the exterior of the house? Make it like a Community Project. Cut the grass, plant some flowers, whatever can improve it's curb appeal.

This way, it will a) bring the street/neighbourhood together; b) give a sense of pride for those who worked on it, and c) keep property values stable in the neighbouring houses.
Oh and d) you'll get a great tan!

What 'hood is this? if it's in the East End, I bet there would be a lot of support from neighbours willing to help!