A new task force is pushing Mount Vernon to deal with bank-owned properties that have been abandoned in neighborhoods.

The task force, dubbed "Nightmare Neighbor," was introduced Monday by Sen. Jeff Klein. Klein says they aim to tackle abandoned properties in the city including nearly a dozen “zombie homes.”

The group plans on identifying the properties and eliminating them from the city.

Mayor Richard Thomas says zombie houses have cost the city just under $2 million, and that the cleanup effort starts with holding the banks accountable that abandon these properties. "This is 108 South 12th Ave. in Mount Vernon and even though it's not considered a “zombie home,” it's still considered an abandoned property. One of six in the city that has been foreclosed on by the bank and is now costing Mount Vernon over $1 million."