(Providence, RI) -- The city of Providence is announcing a new tax to combat vacant and abandoned property. The real estate non-utilization tax was voted on and approved by Providence City Council and subsequently signed into law last month. Owners of properties deemed vacant and abandoned by city inspectors will be notified of the date when the tax will be imposed. It will be ten percent of the assessed value of the real estate. Mayor Jorge Elorza says the properties negatively impact the quality of life in Providence communities, and the fee will hold owners accountable for their property.