Demolition begins on SW Detroit buildings

Demolition began on the city's southwest side Thursday morning as neighbors came out to celebrate the razing several abandoned buildings.

Click the video player to watch a report from FOX 2's Amy Andrews.

Four apartment buildings are among 158 buildings scheduled to be torn down over the next 30-60 days in the area, including Springwells Village. Detroit Mayor Dave Bing says residents in the area helped government officials determine the neighborhood's most dangerous buildings.

Bing made the remark Thursday as he helped kick off an effort to tear down 1,500 dangerous and abandoned structures by the end of September. The campaign is part of his goal to demolish 10,000 vacant structures by the time his four-year term ends.

Legislation passed Wednesday lists how the state will spend its $97 million share of a national settlement with banks over faulty foreclosure processes. According to the state attorney general's office, $10 million of the $25 million for anti-blight efforts would be allocated for use in Detroit.

The office of Gov. Rick Snyder says he's expected to sign the legislation.

Once demolition is complete, members of Detroit Green Corps plan to rehab the land.

- The Associated Press contributed to this report