Montgomery could spend more to demolish rundown properties

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - This week Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange released a proposed budget for the 2018 fiscal year. While there were a number of highlights in the budget, one of the major potential moves is to allocate $400,000 to the demolition of  "distressed properties".

Public Works Director Chris Conway said the funds would allow for a continuation of work the city is already doing.

"A couple of years ago, we identified that there were about 400 structures that were in need of demolition scattered throughout the city," Conway said. "We were doing some in-house work and maybe getting to upwards of 70 structures on any given year, but we were getting behind in the numbers we needed to get torn down."

For the current fiscal year, the city allocated $275,000 to contract outside companies to demolish dilapidated buildings, most which are residential properties. By the time the fiscal year ends in September, the city estimates it will have completed 160 structures. If the budget passes, it expects it will be able to take down 200.

The city's data website shows a list of properties already scheduled for demolition this year. On that list are a few homes that sit right off the service road where the Boulevard intersects Rosa L. Parks Avenue in West Montgomery. Three of those homes were demolished on Thursday afternoon, and the company contracted to do the work has a list of more set up in the area the next few weeks.

Abdul Robinson, who was born and raised in West Montgomery, watched as the homes were broken down from his mother-in-law's house across the street.

"I'm glad they're doing this," Robinson said. "Those homes used to have families living in them like 10 years ago, but now no one takes care of them."

Robinson said he has seen homeless people using the homes for lodging as well as criminal activity. He said he hopes clearing the property will make space for newer homes and community development in the neighborhood he calls home.

"I would like to see new houses built in this community so more people here can become homeowners," Robinson said.

According to Conway the city does not take ownership of the property once a a structure is demolished. Beforehand, he said the city sends a 60-day warning to the property owner, giving them the opportunity to take care of the issues with their property in accordance with State law.

He said there have been many cases where property owners take matters into their own hands. However, if they do not, the city will place a lean on the property for the amount it costs to perform the demolition.

Then, if the property is sold, the property owner will have to repay that amount to the city.

Conway said those funds are recycled back in to be put toward more revitalization efforts. He said it takes about 125 days from the day a property owner receives a warning to the actual demolition.

The Montgomery City Council has until Sept. 20 to approve the Fiscal Year 2018 budget. That fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

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