Baltimore has a civilian review board for police??? Who would've guessed?

a reply to: Greathouse

Population and wealth distribution absolutely is the crux of the entire urban decay issue. The primary tool that a city has in its warchest to fight it is zoning laws. But there are secondary tools as well. I am not a fan of "imminent domain", but have no issue with someone who leaves a building abandoned and decaying having the building ceased by the city for reclamation of value.

One way I have seen it done: you develop a historical commission (which is an evil unto itself, to be honest) that oversees coding of buildings in the historical zone. Buildings with broken windows, non-functioning electricity, non functioning water...all can be actioned for being outside of the code in the historical zone. The goal would be to make sure that no building is in a condition to put the other buildings at risk (fire code, etc), all buildings are secured (reducing vagrants, etc), and that all buildings are in a condition for use ("the white box", or cleaned and ready to lease for commerce).

a reply to: bigfatfurrytexan

There is a third way for it to be done. In Northern Kentucky to fight urban blight the cities match restoration funds dollar for dollar so that abandoned buildings can be refurbished.

a reply to: Greathouse

sure. Or implementing tax abatements for restored buildings.

some cities can fund commercial development via an Economic Development Corporation or a Convention and Visitors Bureau.