Congressman Tim Ryan Spearheads Bipartisan Effort to Eliminate Neighborhood Blight
Statement
Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) today, along with Congressman David McKinley (R-WV) introduced the Clean Up Our Neighborhoods Act of 2018. This legislation would authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to States to eliminate blight by taking down abandoned homes, clearing vacant lots, and assist in distressed neighborhood revitalization.
"There are currently 1.3 million vacant residential properties in America. Many thousands of them in Midwest communities like Youngstown and Akron, Ohio and Detroit and Flint, Michigan. Our ultimate goal must be to completely eliminate blighted structures in America and this bill is a big step in that direction. The economic and social costs of these abandoned buildings and vacant lots cannot be overstated. We know from studies that abandoned properties can cost neighbors tens of thousands of dollars in property value losses. According to FEMA, $777 million in property loss occurs each year from fires started in these structures," said Congressman Ryan. "Living near vacant homes and lots can also lead to negative public health and social outcomes. Studies show blight can increase criminal activity by creating physical spaces for violence--especially gun violence. Many families and individuals living in these neighborhoods experience lower literacy rates, higher rates of chronic illness, developmental delays, and premature mortality. A nation as wealthy as the United States cannot be content while large sections of our urban centers lay abandoned, endangering the communities around them. My legislation will get to the root of this problem, putting the resources of the US Federal Government on the ground level to make Americans' lives better."
"Abandoned buildings and vacant lots are an eyesore to the community and can negatively impact economic development. This bill will provide more resources to empower rural and urban communities alike to mitigate blight, which will improve our neighborhoods and give a boost to revitalization efforts," said Congressman McKinley.
Source