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10 July 2018

Decrease Crime With Vacant Lot Clean Up

By Jessica Stewart


Though there is a great increase in crime these days, there is a way to help with it. This is by vacant lot clean up activities. Studies have shown that overgrown lots are a signal to criminals that there is a lack of pride in the neighborhood. These also give a convenient place to hide drugs, guns, and other criminal activities. Where the grass and weeds are tall a criminal can easily hide in it, and even remain hidden.

In many cities, citizens in the area do the mowing. The city pays them, but a much lower cost than that of a professional service. This allows the people in the community to earn a little extra money, plus they gain a little more pride in their community. In some cases, volunteers get together as a community committee and mow the areas with combined responsibility, taking turns and not charging, saving their city money, but still keeping the area clean.

Many cities have ordinances charging owners a fine if they don't keep their property presentable. These ordinances also sometimes provide for the city to obtain these properties from persons who receive repeated citations for neglect. In some areas the city does the work themselves and charge the owner for the cost.

Contrary to all the controversy over gun control as a means to lessen crime, this approach has fewer objections. Most approve of it. With this method, everyone benefits from the efforts. That is, all except the criminal. Neighborhoods take responsibility for their own areas.

Upfront costs to cities is a deterrent but the overall impact is cost effective. With less crime as a result, increase in property value, and fines assessed to those who received the maintenance, this cost is somewhat offset. Some have estimated that twenty-six dollars are recognized for every dollar spent.

Abandoned lots are subject for dumping of trash and debris. This contributes to the decline of neighborhoods, discouraging home owners from keeping their own yards neat and mowed. This causes the decline in a community, and loss of pride in the community. It also leads to danger when children play in all the trash. Also, debris is conducive to disease being spread.

Ordinances, called mow to own, have been considered by some cities as a solution. This provision allows a person living next to an abandoned area to mow and clean it up over time and be able to get it for free or for a very low amount. This not only means the vacant yard will be cleaned, but it encourages the home owner to keep their own yard in perfect condition. If there are many neglected areas in a city, this allows them to rebuild the areas.

Downtown areas are the focus in many cities. Volunteer groups got from one abandoned lot to another and clean them up. They choose a different one each week, making their rounds. If they come back the second time and it has not been maintained, they let the owner know they won't be back again until the owner takes responsibility for their own improvements. This helps those cities who have a neglected downtown area and want to rebuild it.




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