City and community leaders in Charleston are joining forces to tackle abandoned and deteriorating properties. The Charleston Land Reuse Agency hosted a roundtable this week to talk about ways to turn vacant homes and lots into opportunities for redevelopment. Senior planner John Butterworth said the goal is to remove unsafe structures and reduce crime linked to neglect. He adds that the city’s land bank program helps restore properties the private sector won’t touch. Leaders are looking into collaborations with developers to help overcome financial and regulatory barriers to revitalizing Charleston’s neighborhoods.