There are a plethora of rundown homes in Greensboro, but there is one that I’ve been highlighting for nearly two years. And when I say rundown, I’m not just talking about a house with boards over the windows.
The house pictured above is located at 911 Reid Street and the only thing that has changed in more than one year is that new boards have been put on the outside and the weeds have grown even taller. Keep in mind good working people live in close proximity to this home. Here’s the deal.
The home was previously owned by an LLC, but sold to an individual in Greensboro last October. This individual (who I am not going to name) apparently went to the City on August 10, to get a permit to start working on both 907 and 911 Reid St. To my understanding the permit for 907 was going to be issued, but the City would not issue the permit for 911 Reid. The owner stated that the reason was because they wanted to see what he did with 907 prior to issuing a permit for 911 Reid. According to the owner he then went to his lender to close on the loan (I assume a construction loan) and was denied because he didn’t have a permit on 911 Reid. He is now unable to get funding and will have to do the work out of pocket at a much slower pace. I asked him how long he thought the process might take and he didn’t have an answer.
I’m happy that the owner was attempting to move forward, but in my eyes there are two big problems here. First, he (the owner) purchased this property last October and is just now getting around to doing something with it. Secondly, the City has let this house sit in this condition for nearly two (probably more) years which is absurd.
To my understanding 911 Reid is now going through the proper inspections process (why this didn’t happen a long time ago I am unclear) and the owner will have around three months before it goes before Minimum Housing.
While talking with the owner he said “I’ve never before worked with a City where I couldn’t get a building permit to fix up something like this. Never.”
I’d like to see a more assertive inspections office and I’d also like to see Greensboro be a bit more business friendly, because in this instance, we did not come across as being the least bit friendly.
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Ryan,
I agree and share in your disappointment. Something even worse that was recently discussed at a council meeting is that the City’s hands are tied in taking action also because of a recent state law that prohibits the City from action on eyesores like this during the economic crisis because of the lack of credit available to make improvements.
So essentially we have a system in place that is ok with nothing being done…while the property value of surrounding homes will continue to fall as long as this situation remains unresolved, which in turn reduces city revenue raised from property taxes. You would think the city would be more supportive in helping this gentleman resolve these issues during down times with someone who hasn’t abandoned the property and is willing to make improvements. Just another reason for new leadership.
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