2,000 buildings on city's hit list 7.18.11

WISH TV

Using cash from a sale of water and sewer utilities, the city plans to raze blight - namely hundreds of derelict properties.

“I am the overseer of everything of abandoned and unsafe,” said Reginald Walton, a city assistant administrator.

From his 20th floor officer there’s a view of a bustling downtown. There’s also a picture of a blighted house – the home he grew up in.

“I myself, coming from the west side, I know all too well what blight can do to a community,” he said.
The city has turned blight busting into a top priority. Since 2005, there’s been a boom:

Year / Structures Razed

• 2005 / 140
• 2006 / 140
• 2007 / 140
• 2008 / 275
• 2009 / 375
• 2010 / 675
• 2011/12 / 2000 (target)

Walton is quick to say that people shouldn't think of the city administration as a demolitionist regime, but a building one.

“I feel that abandoned housing is not a problem but an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and try something new,” he said.

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/local/marion_county/2000-buildings-on-citys-hit-list

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