GADSDEN, Ala. (WBMA) — The City of Gadsden is working to reduce nuisance properties in the city. Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford said the city has demolished more than 100 homes so far. 75 homes are scheduled to be demolished over the next year.
These houses are left abandoned and dilapidated throughout the city. Mayor Ford blames the vacant properties on people who left the city after Goodyear closed in 2020.
“A lot of people moved out of town, and people came into town and built new homes, but the older, smaller homes weren’t sustainable,” Mayor Ford said.
Properties that remain tax delinquent for at least three years can be acquired by the city’s land bank. Property owners receive notice that their home will be demolished by the city’s Department of Public Works.
Neighbors in these areas’ eye-sore areas say they feel safer when their land is cleared. Longtime resident Charles Temple said he has been dealing with the problem for five years.
“The vagrants were trying to get into the house and it was quite difficult trying to stay there. They kept trying to keep warm and they started fires inside the house and set the house on fire. ” Temple said. Board up the house to keep them out. ”
Some people, like Temple, say they’re interested in purchasing these vacant lots from the city to expand their properties. Mayor Ford said property will also be made available to local developers for rehabilitation, creating more affordable housing options in the city.
“(Developers) create private rental projects, three years later they have ownership issues, and now they can own a home. This year has been a great program,” Mayor Ford said. Ta.
