2000-64 DESIGNATING CONSERVATION AREA - NEAR NORTH AREA

Home Browse Search

; � SURVEY METHODOLOGY Such blighting conditions are considered by the code to be detrimental the public safety, health, morals or welfare. The survey methodology included: • A visual survey of all the properties in the area by street and numbered blocks. For example: N. Main Street, Blocks 700 through 1200. • Coordination of such visual survey with the data included in a map prepared by the City of Decatur Neighbofiood Services Division (NSD) °Conservation Map No. 1" (Exhibit °C") and °12 Month Housing Code Violation Summary since 02/01/1999" (Exhibit "D") of � buildings, residences and property lots. • The preparation by NSD of a CD disc which includes approximately 290 pictures of buildings, residences and property lots in the surveyed "Conservation Area". This CD may be used with a PowerPoint computer slide presentation (Ref. 1) at a proposed April 6, 2000 hearing and if needed at a City Council meeting. To simplify the reporting methodology the detrimental conditions were reported and evaluated on a numbered block method, ie. if one detrimental condition was identified in a block it was considered for the entire block. The survey did not include entering any facility for purpose of evaluating illegal uses; code standards; lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities; inadequate utilities; or diversity of ownership. County records were not researched for tax or special assessment delinquencies. SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF CONDITION SURVEY GENERAL COMMENTS: During discussion and comment by staff of the Neighborhood Services Division (NSD) concerning the conditions in the defined "Conservation Area" personnel, the following statement was developed: This is an area that is mostly residential, with some scattered commercial buildings that are primarily to the south and west sides. The majority of the homes in the area have been demolished over the past 10 years. The homes that remain in the area, for the most part, are in a severe state of deterioration and many unfif for human habitation. As homes become vacant they are routinely stripped of all items that may be of any value and left standing open and abandoned. This area is used as a dumping ground for garbage, old appliances, tires and all sorts of trash and debris. There is a continuing drug and gang prob/em in the area. Some houses are illegally used for small business purposes such as bicycle repair, auto storage and repair, etc. The illegal activity in this area could only be stemmed by constant police presence, from our past experiences, un/ess a concerted effort is made to address all the concerns and needs of the area. Page 3 of 5