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Neighbors banding together to rid Pulaski County of abandoned homes | 11 Listens

There are abandoned homes everywhere, but in Pulaski County, neighbors are banding together to find a solution to the problem and reached out to THV11 for help.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - There are abandoned homes everywhere, but in Pulaski County, neighbors are banding together to find a solution to the problem and reached out to THV11 for help.

11 Listens found out what's being done to address the issue.

"We've seen snakes down there,” said Vera Bowie. “We've seen skunks, raccoons, opossums." Bowie lives in the Oak Grove area and said it’s falling apart because of abandoned homes and trailers. "There are leaves and dead limbs and everything piled up around them, and I'm just afraid a fire will get started," said Bowie.

She's now taking matters into her own hands. "I've been cutting vines and pulling them out of the trees and off the roof of the house next door to ours and trying to clean up the area,” she added.

Terry James grew up in the Oak Grove area and said he's eager for change. "I used to remember this neighborhood as being active with kids and families, but not anymore,” said James. James said abandoned homes in the Crystal Hill and Morgan areas are also a problem and believes burned homes present safety hazards. "I'd just like to see people start owning up and being responsible and removing these old houses, because they are an eyesore and can tend to bring criminal activity," said James.

There is an ordinance to “regulate dangerous or unsanitary conditions within the unincorporated areas of Pulaski County.” However, residents must call or go to the county's website to file a petition to request action on the property. Once an inspector determines the home is a hazard, recommendations are sent to Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde.

"In order for us to take action according to the ordinance, you need 10 property owners who are registered voters within two miles of that property to sign that petition," said Judge Hyde. The judge then takes action for the property to be demolished. The county said about a dozen homes have been reported since the ordinance was enacted in 2016, but oftentimes when that happens, Judge Barry Hyde said, "They'll quickly step up and say, ‘wait a minute give, me 30 days or 60 days to figure things out. I just never knew it was a problem; let me figure out what my options are. I'll take care of it,’ and we'll do that. We always want to try to work with the homeowners."

While the county has not had to demolish any of the abandoned or burned homes reported, that doesn't mean there aren't any others, but the county can only address what residents report.

Meanwhile, Vickie Biggs with Crye Leike Realty said there are often potential homebuyers who are deterred by abandoned homes along Highway 365. "You have to take your clients with you past that you have to get past that and they ask what is that, why is that there,” said Biggs. Biggs said in many cases, these homes have been inherited after someone passes and are simply neglected. "People don't realize that they can save money on real estate taxes if there is an abandoned house by having that house removed they can lower their real estate taxes," Biggs added.

It's something Terry James is working to convey to property owners in hopes that they'll spread the word. He's working to bring the community together through his campaign team up to clean up. "I want to see a change in our community to make it safer and family-like environment," said James.

As a reminder, citizens are always urged to report any criminal activity at abandoned homes to the sheriffs department. Also, there are opportunities for cooperatives to effectively assist in redevelopment throughout Arkansas.

The University of Central Arkansas is hosting a small developer conference this month for those looking to improve their neighborhoods, if you're interested, click here.

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