BAD Buildings in your neighborhood can pose health and safety hazards. According to the US Fire Administration (1), some of the most common problems with these properties include: fall and trip hazards, unstable structures, hazardous materials on site, standing water in basements, vermin.
The presence of abandoned and dilapidated properties has direct impacts on adjacent property values. Research cited by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (2) suggests that the presence of a vacant or distressed structure within 500 feet of a home can depress both property value and sale price.
Property taxes are one of the largest sources of revenue for local governments. The Center of Community Progress (3) notes that vacant or dilapidated structures decrease taxability of surrounding properties and can result in high maintenance and abatement costs for local governments.
BAD Buildings can result in slowed economic growth because of a combination of the above listed factors. Together they create a cycle of disinvestment that harm communities.
(1) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2023, April 1). Reducing arson at vacant and abandoned buildings. U.S. Fire Administration. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/arson/vacant-abandoned-buildings/.
(2) https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/em/winter14/highlight1.html.
(3) How vacant and abandoned buildings affect the community. Center for Community Progress. (2024, April 10). https://communityprogress.org/blog/how-vacant-abandoned-buildings-affect-community/.
Tools to manage a problem property or mobilize your community to prevent blight, get funding for your project, learn about the BAD Buildings program, and learn how to fight blight.
Read More: ResourcesBlight is the process through which a previously functioning city, or part of a city, falls into disrepair. Learn the negative impacts of blight.
Read More: Blight: Quick FactsLearn more about the Abandoned Properties Coalition, its steering committee and bylaws, or check out our calendar of events.
Read More: Abandoned Properties Coalition