City of Macon Continues Efforts to Remove Blighted Houses

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Demolition crews have been steady at work, knocking down blighted houses in neighborhoods in Macon.

Its part of the city’s efforts to get rid of run down abandoned structures in the area.

Since April 25, the city has demolished almost 20 houses and commercial buildings that haven’t passed building codes.

Residents watched, smiling and applauding, as the house was leveled. They were excited to get rid of the eyesore.

Neighbors Bernicia Spain and Robert Benton have had concerns about the old house on the block and were anxious to see it come down.

“We have a lot of abandoned houses, really it’s an eyesore, you know to the community, Bellevue is a real pretty neighborhood, I’ve been born and raised in Bellevue so it means a lot,” Spain said.

Macon Mayor Robert Reichert is leading the efforts to reduce blight in the city.

He’d like to see more buildings come down, but there are certain obstacles standing in his way.

“The legal process takes time, the environmental process takes time, and both take money.”

Reichert says dealing with each house could cost anywhere from 15 to $20,000. Government officials would also have to decide if the house belongs to anyone or contained toxic chemicals like asbestos or lead based paint.

Developers are interested in the properties neighbors are hopeful to see a positive change in the community.

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