Weeks after a so-called zombie home was torn down in Mount Vernon, residents near the house are questioning the city's motives for tearing it down in the first place.

As News 12 has previously reported, the house on Park Avenue was demolished at the end of January as part of a citywide effort to remove blighted homes. Last Friday, News 12 learned that Mayor Richard Thomas and more than two dozen other officials were subpoenaed, allegedly over the demolition of the house.

The City Council is now looking to determine whether the demolition process was properly handled by Thomas and his administration and if razing the building exposed neighbors to asbestos.

Many people living near the demolished house say they're happy it's gone but also question the safety of the remaining lot, especially when it comes to children playing near it.

The Mount Vernon City Council is expected to begin hearings on the controversial teardown next week.