Scottie Gilg- "Addressing the Vacant and Abandoned Property Problem" (outside reading 4)

This 2000 study aimed to address the urban abandoned property problem. John Accordrino,

who has expertise in Commercial and neighborhood revitalization methods at the Virginia

Commonwealth University, along with another colleague, explains the overview of vacant

buildings. This study shows that unenforced policies, environmental factors, safety, and

housing qualities are some of the reasons for vacancies in the community. This research was

conducted through the use of written surveys and telephone interviews. The survey was

intended for the chief administrative officer of the 200 most densely populated urban cities

in the United States. They wanted to learn more about the preconceived nature of the problem

and ways to address it. From this analysis, on a scale of 1 (not a problem) to 5

(biggest problem) abandoned buildings were viewed as a 3.1. Although this article was

published in 2000, the data and the background overview of abandoned buildings hold truein today's economy. It provides an overview of the issue through the view of city officers.

Along with this, the article provided approaches other cities used to address the problem.

Things like code enforcement, property stabilization measures, rehabilitation incentives, and

community revitalization strategies were addressed. This study will help me with my

understanding of how sending out a mass survey can help address how the public feels

about the abandoned lots and also how code enforcement can be a helpful way to regulate

vacancies. Accordrino based his research on the data from blighted cities similar to Newport

News which will be useful in my understanding of what it was like in these other cities

compared to here. I will also look into possible strategies mentioned here and see if they

would be applicable to Newport News. 

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