GARY, Ind. (AP) – A new survey shows the struggling city of Gary has nearly 7,000 vacant buildings and that more than a third of its structures are in disrepair.

Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson tells The Times in Munster (http://bit.ly/1CJztJY ) that the findings have heightened concerns about the number of people living in unsafe quarters and will bolster efforts to address poverty in the community.

The 18-month study was released Wednesday. It was done in conjunction with the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy.

The city received $6.6 million last year to help clear blight. It demolished 100 buildings last year and is expected to raze about 400 this year.

Freeman-Wilson says she would like to get another $30 million to clear most of the remaining vacant buildings.