Durham Trying To Rid City Of Commercial Eyesores

Residents want the city to pass an ordinance to allow the demolition of abandoned commercial buildings, but property owners say the rule would be problematic.

1 minute read

July 26, 2001, 10:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"Durham, like other cities in the Triangle, lacks the legal authority to deal with blighted nonresidential buildings. So when it comes to run-down places, the city can't force owners to clean them up or tear them down." In order to combat crime and low property values, the city has drafted a new ordinance that would allow dilapidated commercial properties to be demolished if they are not repaired, similar to existing rules for residential structures. Building owners say forcing them to repair or demolish could bring its own set of problems, as well as a hefty cost.

Thanks to Christian Peralta

Wednesday, July 25, 2001 in The News & Observer

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