FAST FACTS:
(Memphis, 08/31/2009) Gang graffiti, overgrown grass and piles of trash, that's what you'll see when you visit the Winchester Garden Apartments. Neighbors say every time they pass the vacant eyesore at the corner of Cazassa and Winchester, they wonder what's behind the open doors and pulled off plywood.
"Somebody could jump out of one of them buildings set over there and wait on me, " said a Whitehaven resident. "I've got to come this way and go to the store. My wife catches the bus. What am I going to do for safety?"
A new law under the Neighborhood Preservation Act gives the city new ammunition to battle the blight, allowing it to sue property owners for not maintaining their property. Winchester Garden Apartments and the Shelby Inn and Hotel are two of the first properties being targeted.
"We just decided to put these two owners on notice hoping the other owners who have properties that look like these would take notice and renovate them," explained Memphis City Council Chairman Harold Collins. Both the properties are in his district.
If the owners don't comply, the city will find other agencies or investors to over their properties, renovate them or tear them down.
"They need to clean it up," said Lorraine Chandler, owner of River City BBQ. "They really need to clean it up and get people back in there."
For now, the legal battle is aimed at just two properties in Whitehaven.
Council Chairman Collins says the goal is to duplicate the process in all districts across the city.
"I'm finally relieved that we have the vehicle to hold these people accountable."
Good news for David Stewart, he says his fears of the Winchester Garden Apartments sometimes keeps him hostage in his home.
"I'm afraid to come through at night. I don't come through at night because it could be dangerous."
Council Chairman Collins says he expects about eight to ten more lawsuits in his district.
- New law helps city fight blight
- Allows city to take property owners to court
- Two property owners sued by city, more to come
(Memphis, 08/31/2009) Gang graffiti, overgrown grass and piles of trash, that's what you'll see when you visit the Winchester Garden Apartments. Neighbors say every time they pass the vacant eyesore at the corner of Cazassa and Winchester, they wonder what's behind the open doors and pulled off plywood.
"Somebody could jump out of one of them buildings set over there and wait on me, " said a Whitehaven resident. "I've got to come this way and go to the store. My wife catches the bus. What am I going to do for safety?"
A new law under the Neighborhood Preservation Act gives the city new ammunition to battle the blight, allowing it to sue property owners for not maintaining their property. Winchester Garden Apartments and the Shelby Inn and Hotel are two of the first properties being targeted.
"We just decided to put these two owners on notice hoping the other owners who have properties that look like these would take notice and renovate them," explained Memphis City Council Chairman Harold Collins. Both the properties are in his district.
If the owners don't comply, the city will find other agencies or investors to over their properties, renovate them or tear them down.
"They need to clean it up," said Lorraine Chandler, owner of River City BBQ. "They really need to clean it up and get people back in there."
For now, the legal battle is aimed at just two properties in Whitehaven.
Council Chairman Collins says the goal is to duplicate the process in all districts across the city.
"I'm finally relieved that we have the vehicle to hold these people accountable."
Good news for David Stewart, he says his fears of the Winchester Garden Apartments sometimes keeps him hostage in his home.
"I'm afraid to come through at night. I don't come through at night because it could be dangerous."
Council Chairman Collins says he expects about eight to ten more lawsuits in his district.
