Unfortunately that's how it is in real life
i would suggest turning off pollution or relocating citizens and leaving the houses empty

cool map! Its only issue is a power plant that is standing too close from houses. Enabled pollution will kill them too fast

Maps like this are why I play this game. Starting from a realistic populated setting makes me feel like I really am taking over and managing an area in the Communist bloc.

Sure!

This is great, but I prefer to play maps from scratch, would you consider making a version without any development?