Still Slumming

The D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office proudly details success stories from cleaning up "nuisance properties" -- including crack houses -- on its website. But the results are mixed, at best.

1 minute read

March 12, 2006, 9:00 AM PST

By David Gest

"About a decade ago, the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the District of Columbia took aim at what law-enforcement officials call "nuisance properties" -- crack houses or boarded-up buildings that attract crime. Ever since, it has teamed up with D.C. agenciesâ€"the police department and the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, for startersâ€"to oust the tenants/squatters who have made such properties neighborhood eyesores. The USAO now feels sufficiently confident in the program to post a list of "Nuisance Property Success Stories" on its Web site, an inventory that now features 28 properties. The distinction comes with a vague blurb describing what the nuisance was, how the USAO got rid of it, and how much better off the neighborhood is now. Interviews with the actual people involvedâ€"the tenants, the addicts, the cops, the landlordsâ€"reveal that there is much more to the stories. Or sometimes much less."

FULL STORY: Slum Pickin's

Friday, March 10, 2006 in Washington City Paper

Housing District of Columbia

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.