| Background Information
The Smith Village Urban Renewal Area and is a major section of a
one-family residential area, which also includes some community facilities
and, at its edges, retail and service uses. The area has experienced
considerable decay and housing abandonment. A combination of private and
public demolition has left many of its blocks pockmarked with vacant lots.
Many of the streets, sidewalks and curbing are in need of repair. There
are many remaining homeowners who maintain their property well despite
being surrounded by vacant lots. Other remaining homes are in need of
rehabilitation; some have decayed to a degree that will make
rehabilitation infeasible. For many years now, there has been virtually no
private development despite the availability of many vacant lots fully
served by public infrastructure. |
