Blight is when a previously functioning city, or part of a city, falls into disrepair.
Negative impacts of blight:
- Increased number of drug, theft, and violent crimes
- More than 70% of fires in vacant structures are arson/suspected arson
- Poses environmental, health, and safety hazards
- Reduces neighboring property values
- Reduces tax revenue from depressed property values
- Slows local economic development
- Detracts potential entrepreneurs and developers
- Demoralizes communities
Eliminating blight through redevelopment can:
- Turn community health and safety liabilities into community assets
- Create new, local jobs
- Increase property values
- Enhance economic/tax base development
- Improve economic vitality
- Support sustainable use of land and greenfield preservation
- Prevent urban sprawl and decreases civil infrastructure costs
- Rehabilitation retains community identity through the architectural fabric
- Eliminate eyesores