Organizers Keeping Tabs on Vacant Properties
Jul 2nd, 2010
Mr. Robinson lives next to a couple of vacant properties on an otherwise well maintained block. When one house was vacated a pile of furniture and refuse was left behind. A serious eyesore, it also attracted rats and some other unwelcome visitors. A couple of drug addicts pried open the front door and made themselves at home in the property. Once the house was unsecured the interior was quickly stripped of anything of value that people could take. This can be anything from light bulbs to copper water pipes, with the end result being a property that is potentially damaged beyond reasonable repair and slowly deteriorating until eventually torn down.
Safe & Sound Community Partners came across Mr. Robinson and the property off of Center Street while conducting vacant property outreach in the Harambee neighborhood. The building was reported to the police department who checked the interior for any people, then promptly boarded to prevent access. The tall weeds, rats and junk vehicles were reported to city services. For unresponsive property owners contractors clean-up debris, remove junk vehicles and cut the weeds. Charges are added to the property tax bill.
So far the organizers have visited over 3,300 properties, finding 382 vacant buildings in Harambee and neighboring areas. In addition, they spoke with 84 residents regarding concerns related to crime and vacant properties. It is an ongoing effort coordinated with the Department of Neighborhood Services and reports back ensure that the properties are recorded as vacant and then properly secured and regularly inspected. In addition, organizers keep an eye out for problem properties during their regular outreach year round as a matter of practice. Unfortunately, the issue of vacated, abandoned and bank owned properties is throughout Milwaukee. It is a major undertaking to keep track of existing and new buildings and to ensure that they are not being stripped or vandalized.
The residents living on the blocks most affected are the same people that are best suited to monitor properties and report break-ins, loitering, drug activity, squatting or the illegal dumping that can occur with vacant buildings. A special vacant property outreach flyer was prepared in English and Spanish to inform and mobilize residents. In order to best utilize limited staffing, Safe & Sound is coordinating with block clubs and other community organizers. Last week, Eloise from the Hand Around 1st Street Block Club came out with her daughter to lend a hand with the survey and outreach. Riverwest block clubs have also cited an interest in the effort. We are confident that by working together with residents, city services and the police we can really have an impact on the detrimental effects of board-ups in Milwaukee
