Condemned Houses Slated for Demolition in High Point

High Point City Council has approved the demolition of several condemned homes in the city, but people who live around these properties oppose what the city is doing.

The city is scheduled to tear down four condemned homes in High Point, with another 200 potentially slated for demolition. One condemned property on Johnson St. has 18 violations, including a collapsed floor, according to city inspectors. The city says the owner hasn't worked to improve the house since July.

"We want to send a new message to the homeowners who own these homes that they need to stay at a minimum standard code for living." said city councilman Foster Douglas.

Douglas says each homeowner is given 30 days to bring their house up to code before it is demolished. The councilman says most of the homeowners do not live in the areas around the condemned properties.

"They don't have an invested interest in how the community looks, just an invested interest in what they can put in their pockets." Douglas said.

People who live around the houses are worried about the empty space the demolished homes will leave behind.

"If you tear it down it leaves a space, but if you fix it up somebody can move in." said Garry Boatwright.

"Instead of the lots being empty, maybe they should build after school programs for the children. That would work too, and they also would generate jobs." said La-Keash Williams.

The city will spend about $5,000 to demolish each home, and the council has talked about possibly rebuilding on the home sites. The demolitions will begin in about 90 days, and more homes could follow.