NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

In fall 2018, the city of Decatur had over 120 houses on the demolition list, over 300 houses that were unfit for human habitation, and nearly 4,500 vacant housing units.  A neighborhood is the foundation of its people, and it is time we make where we live a top priority.  The days of seeing boarded up houses along our main thoroughfares and side streets must come to an end, as few people are likely to move to neighborhoods with dilapidated houses.  As some neighborhoods decline and houses fall into disrepair our property values have declined.  Making our neighborhoods more vibrant and healthy can: create jobs, provide opportunities for our youth, establish a greater sense of place, and reverse population decline.