COLUMN: Permanent fix needed for dilapidated homes

I remember when I was a child how beautiful the flower beds and yards were in my neighborhood.
I remember the joy and security I felt when I would walk throw my neighborhood, especially when I was going to school. It was like having extra parents when you played outside.
Everyone knew each other in the community, especially if you lived on the same street.
There was no official neighborhood watch, we simply watched out for each other. The natural thing to do was to protect and assist.
Several of these very special homes in Florence are now vacant and dilapidated. Many of the owners are now deceased.
When I think of the vast number of vacant dilapidated properties we have, I can’t help but to think of the empty lot and the five vacant homes located on the block where I live.
We have several vacant properties in my neighborhood. A few of the owners maintain these properties, where as many others do not.
I have wonderful memories of the past, the dishearten view of the present, and great concern and hope for the future of my community, as well as for other communities.
The Northwest Florence Neighborhood Council has presented several dilapidated properties to representatives of the city on different occasions. Other communities in Florence have addressed the city council with very similar issues. It is evident this is not an isolated issue.
In the past, city officials have had vacant lots cleaned up and the homes boarded up. These actions on several occasions were in response to the outcry from community members in an effort to curtail the negative activities that were occurring at some of these properties. These actions provided a temporary fix.
I recall one particular abandoned house that was pushed down and a vacant lot was left behind. The neighbor residing next to the lot was bedridden. So, when she looked out of her window, she was left with the view of an overgrown lot.
I can see why this action is not the ultimate solution.
On one occasion when I was visiting a neighbor’s who had experienced the death of a loved one, her daughter noticed that one of the boarded up houses’ door was open. I called the police, and they came to inspect the property.
This may not seem like a major event, but when the vacant house next to this one was used for gang activities in the past, it creates a very different light on the smallest activities.
I would like to list numerous other incidents that have been expressed by community members in relation to dilapidated properties, but I can’t because of space constraints.
I know vacant lots and dilapidated buildings are a hot local political topic. This issue seems to draw focus at various times only to lose steam in the face of other topics. I have to see these properties on a regular bases.
I cannot take a walk down my street without seeing these dilapidated properties. Everyday these properties are allowed to fall apart, they take value from our communities on many different levels.
My community and I desire to work with other communities in Florence, as well as with the city and county councils to develop a long term solution to managing these properties.
I do not advocate the taking of anyone’s property.
I realize the answer will not be developed overnight, but we need to start working together as a city to focus our energy and ideals to resolve this issue.

— Teresa Ervin is a life-long Florence resident and Realtor.