City's Vacant Housing Rate Hits 35 Percent In Some Areas

Vacant and abandoned homes are not a new issue facing Indianapolis -- and neither are the symptoms. Crime, illegal drugs, trash and arson typically fester in neighborhoods where homes are in disarray. In October Mayor Greg Ballard set out an initiative to reduce crime and increase quality of life in six area's of the city by targeting root causes of social problems.

Attracting homeowners and new development to these challenged areas is one of the goals -- but it won’t be easy.

Public Safety Director Troy Riggs said Tuesday that up to 35 percent of homes are vacant in some of the six areas. That’s a “troubling” problem that only community collaboration can solve.

“The quality life degrades every year and for decades that has occurred in these areas," Riggs said. "You don’t get to 25 percent vacant housing in an area and up to 35 percent in some of our others areas without this occurring over decades.”

Riggs and other city officials hope a combination of private investment, federal dollars and a groundswell of support from nonprofits, faith-based and other community groups can work together on solutions.

Riggs admits change won’t happen overnight or even in a few years but says starting the conversation is the first step.

“The neighbors in these areas deserve that," Riggs said. "They deserve a clean place and safe place to live.”

Any groups interested in offering ideas in how to combat issues related to vacant homes should contact the city’s Department of Public Safety.

The six areas identified by the city are: West 16th Street and North Tibbs Avenue; West 29th Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive; West 34th Street and North Illinois Street; East 38th Street and North Sherman Drive; East New York Street and North Sherman Drive; and East 42nd Street and North Post Road.

The Department of Public Safety will annouce its 2015 objectives for the six focus areas at a Jan. 13 public meeting.

Call WFYI reporter Eric Weddle at (317) 614-0470. Follow on Twitter: @ericweddle.