Durham, NC—A long-abandoned house in the Woodcroft neighborhood, deemed unsafe by city officials and labeled an eyesore by nearby residents, has been demolished. The house, located on Old Fox Trail, was torn down on Friday following years of complaints and safety concerns.
The property, uninhabited for at least seven years, had become a source of frustration for neighbors. Overgrown vines enveloped the roof, and wildlife such as raccoons reportedly took refuge in the vacant structure. The demolition marks the culmination of efforts by residents and city officials to address the deteriorating condition of the home.
Years of Complaints Lead to Action
Amber Boazi, a nearby resident, described the house as an ongoing issue. “It was painful to see every day,” Boazi said. “It’s disheartening to have a house in such a nice area go unused when it could have been a home for a family.”
City records show that complaints about the property’s condition date back several years. The City of Durham’s Department of Neighborhood Development worked with the property owner’s representatives, issuing multiple notices about violations of city safety codes. The department ultimately deemed the house unsafe, and after going through the required notification and appeals processes, the decision was made to proceed with demolition.
A city spokesperson confirmed that the cost of the demolition is being covered upfront by Neighborhood Improvement Services. However, the city intends to recover the expenses by invoicing the property owner and placing a lien on the land.
Neighborhood Reactions
Mike Siegel, another resident of the area, welcomed the demolition as a positive step. “This is a good thing for the neighborhood,” Siegel said. “It’s a step in the right direction.”
Both Siegel and Boazi expressed hope that the property will soon be redeveloped, ideally into a home that will attract new neighbors and families. “This is a beautiful neighborhood, full of families and children. We want to see it grow and thrive,” Boazi added.
Property Ownership and Future Plans
County records indicate the property was purchased in 1997, and the current owners still hold the deed. CBS 17 reported reaching out to a person identifying themselves as the daughter of the property owner, but they declined to comment on the demolition or future plans for the site.
According to experts in real estate development, abandoned properties like this one often present challenges for cities. Beyond being a visual blight, such structures can decrease nearby property values and pose safety risks. In Durham, the city has adopted a proactive stance on tackling unsafe buildings, often working with property owners to resolve violations before resorting to demolition.
Woodcroft: A Community Perspective
The Woodcroft neighborhood, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to local amenities, has historically been a desirable area for homebuyers. However, long-term residents have noted that neglected properties like the one on Old Fox Trail can detract from the community’s appeal.
City officials emphasize that they aim to balance enforcement with opportunities for rehabilitation. A representative from the City of Durham stated, “Our goal is to maintain the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods while ensuring property owners have the opportunity to address issues in a fair and timely manner.”
What’s Next for the Site?
While the future of the property remains uncertain, neighbors and city officials alike are optimistic. The cleared lot now provides a blank canvas for redevelopment, whether through sale or reconstruction by the current owners.
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