MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The City of Memphis said it’s getting tough and getting rid of blighted properties.
Now it’s Raleigh’s turn.
One-hundred-and-fifty Garden Walk Condominium Units are coming down.
It’s none to soon for neighbors who have been looking at the blight for years.
“It’s very depressing. Our children have to walk by here to go the school. The school is right up the street,” said Bryant French, who has lived in Raleigh since 1999.
Bryant French couldn’t stay home when he heard the condos around the corner from his house were finally coming down.
“I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t get over here fast enough,” said French.
He and others gathered as city leaders made it official.
They finally had the authorization to tear down the blight.
“There comes a time when property rights have to give way to what’s best welfare for the entire community,” said Memphis Mayor A C Wharton.
The Mayor said Garden Walk is typical of other properties around the city.
Owners neglect their buildings until the city has to take them over and that can take a while in court.
Even now, the one family that still lives in one of the units questioned the Mayor about their options and what happens to their home.
That family says they have hired a lawyer.
Organizations like the Raleigh Community Council meanwhile continue to try to get the eyesores out of eyesight.
“Hopefully we will get this done and get this cleared off and a developer will come in and make good use of the land,” said Faye Morrison, President of Raleigh Community Council President.
Another blighted property is checked off.
For those still waiting, the Mayor said there is a method.
“We take these properties by priority, by the threat they pose to safety, to property values,” said Wharton.
Other neighborhoods, that are still waiting, hope they too become a priority.
The city said tearing down the condos will cost $975 thousand and should be complete in about four months.
The one family still living in the condos said they have been told to vacate by July 10.
