PRICHARD, Ala. (WALA) – Blighted properties have been a problem in the city of Prichard for several years. Prichard Mayor Carletta Davis says one of the promises she made during her campaign was improving quality of life for Prichard residents which includes getting a handle on these properties.
“When you have a blighted property, it’s an area for crime, it’s an area for rodents and rats and things like that so it’s a public health issue as well so it’s a very important issue,” said Mayor Carletta Davis.
The mayor says they’ve looked at around 60% of properties around the city and have identified 400 blighted properties so far. Last week, Mayor Davis and members of her team looked at some residential properties that are in pretty bad shape.
“It was heartbreaking. In one of them we had an actual resident living in one of the dilapidated homes and it just showed me the need for social services here in our city so I’ve charged our inspectors to come up with an internal process to refer those in need in our community that are living in those kinds of conditions,” added Mayor Davis…