3 ways the city of Montgomery is banishing blight now

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Waist-high weeds overtaking parking lots and crumbling buildings with broken windows: Eyesores like these detract from otherwise pleasing surroundings in cities across the country. But abandoned and neglected properties don’t just look bad, they pose safety issues, too.

That’s why City of Montgomery leaders are acting quickly and decisively to address blight and improve neighborhoods in the capital city. Every year, more than 250 cases are addressed and handled. And right now, The City is ramping up its battle against blight with a multi-pronged approach. 

1: Cleaning up neglected lots

First, City Inspections Department team members are continually removing abandoned vehicles and clearing overgrown lots. Eliminating junk and clutter while also tidying up green spaces goes a long way to improve the look of an area.

Fact: Each year, the City works through about 261 blight cases across Montgomery. While the process can take anywhere from three to nine months, many property owners step up and fix issues on their own. 

2: Removing unstable + unsafe structures

But the City isn’t stopping with clean-up. Members of the Inspections Department team are also conducting careful demolition of structurally unstable buildings and other general clean-up projects.

Two notable success stories highlight the Department’s efforts: For years, The Candlelight Inn and The Days Inn on West South Boulevard sat neglected and falling farther and farther into disrepair. In addition to their ugly appearance, they attracted criminal activity, too.

Both properties have now been demolished and the rubble hauled away, marking another significant step in the City’s quest to:

• build stronger neighborhoods
• improve public safety
• boost confidence + pride of place all over Montgomery.

“For years, the Candlelight Hotel and the Days Inn have stood as symbols of neglect. They have been hazards to our families, magnets for illegal activity, and a drain on the surrounding neighborhoods.

Progress in Montgomery belongs to our residents. And the families who live along West South Boulevard have patiently waited for a system that finally works the way it should. Today is about delivering on that expectation. We are taking these structures down. Montgomery is on the move.”

_{Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed}

3: Hiring more team members to keep the good work going

Finally, to ensure the Inspections Department is equipped with the resources and manpower necessary to keep up this good work and even accelerate its pace, the City is currently seeking new people to join its team and support its expanded blight removal and neighborhood improvement initiatives. 

Right now, The City is recruiting additional:

• Towing agents
• Nuisance abatement agents
• Demolition agents 

The work of these positions includes:

• Removal of junk or abandoned vehicles
• Nuisance abatement + lot clearing
• Structural demolition of unsafe buildings
• General property clean up + remediation

These positions are essential to the City’s overall plan for a better Montgomery. If you or someone you know wants to apply, call 334-625-2069 for more information and for application requirements.

And find more information on the City of Montgomery’s battle against blight and how you can help, here.

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