Housing inspections in Greensboro were highlighted in yesterdays News & Record. Since I have personally pointed out distressed homes in Greensboro I found the article interesting. I also noticed that Lori Loosemore, the local ordinance enforcement supervisor was quoted in the article. We previously exchanged emails about some houses that I was concerned about and she stated that “If you will send me the address I will have an inspector get on it ASAP.”
I then sent her the email below about a month ago; the email included five attachments with addresses.
“Lori, I have attached several photos for you to review. I have named each photo by their address to make things a bit easier.
911 Reid is by far the worst house of them all. It literally looks like if you push it hard enough it would simply topple over.
The home at 701A Martin St is not occupied from what I have been told and it is a huge problem. This home sits right next to Lee’s Curb Mart and the front porch is used as a drinking hangout just about every afternoon.
I know there will likely be loopholes for the owners of these homes and that saddens me. It is unfortunate that people can keep homes close enough to code not to be torn down, yet they can neglect them so much that it negatively affects a neighborhood. When I see homes of this nature I always ask myself how I would feel if I lived next door. Take 911 Reid, how would you like to live next to or across from that home?”
I have since sent two follow up emails and have not heard anything. The N&R article states that “City officials said they needed a proactive approach to find bad housing.”
911 Reid is right next to this house and they have both been in this condition for a very long time. I thought it was important to post this information so that you would have an idea what it is like for a citizen to try and deal with substandard housing in Greensboro. One might find the lack of progress discouraging.
In regards to the two homes that I have highlighted do you find it hard to believe that I am the first person that has pointed them out? FYI – There is a church (District 2 voting precinct) less than two blocks down the road from both homes.
