CENTER POINT, Ala. (Trussville Tribune) -- The City of Center Point is gearing up to begin a city-wide effort to address urban decay and enhance public spaces as part of a new year-long campaign developed by the Center Point Planning & Zoning Board and Mayor Bobby Scott.
According to Chris Basinger with the Trussville Tribune, “Fight the Blight” aims to beautify the city and create a deeper sense of community pride by bringing together neighbors, businesses, churches, and other local organizations in a shared mission to uplift the city.
The initiative was launched in response to concerns from citizens and city leaders about derelict properties that impact the city’s image, economic potential, and quality of life.
“Through organized clean-ups, landscaping projects, and community partnerships, we are committed to creating an environment where every citizen can take pride in their surroundings,” the city said in a statement.
“In addition, by reducing visible blight, we aim to attract more businesses, enhance property values, and contribute to a safer, more connected Center Point.”
As part of the effort, the Planning & Zoning Board is going street by street to identify neglected properties, abandoned vehicles, and other code violations.
Residents will also be able to alert the city to problem areas through the city’s website where they can also register to volunteer for clean-up events.
“We invite everyone in Center Point to get involved in this transformative journey,” the city’s statement continued.
“Whether you participate in clean-up events, volunteer time, or take on improvement projects of your own, your contribution will play a vital role in the success of Fight the Blight.”
Here is an outline of the city’s plan:
- January: Citizen’s Hotline – Advertise the online citizen request portal where residents can report code violations, overgrown lots, abandoned vehicles, and other blight concerns.
- February-March: Clean-Up Grants & Awareness – Offer community assistance grants to neighborhoods for clean-up efforts; Organize clean-up days led by block captains in each neighborhoods; Distribute materials and resources for clean-up including dumpsters, trash bags, and gloves.
- April: Blight Day Clean-Up and Yard Sale – Mobilize city departments for debris pickup, heavy item removal, and brush clearing; Involve local high school sports teams for volunteer labor; Host a city-wide yard sale event where residents can declutter their homes.
- May: Children Against Blight Paint Expo – Host an event where children can paint photos to be placed in city buildings.
- June-July: Commercial Blight Messaging – Encourage businesses to sponsor cleanup efforts or improve the appearance of their storefronts; Offer matching grants to businesses to improve building facades.
- August: Fight the Blight Campaign Letters – Send formal letters to landlords, homeowners, and commercial property owners outlining the importance of maintaining their properties and offering support programs like grants or clean-up assistance
Move events will be added as the year goes on.
In December, the city plans to host an awards banquet to recognize citizens and organizations who went above and beyond in their contributions to the initiative.
Some of the awards that will be presented include a Good Neighbor Award, Church of the Year, and Beautiful Street of the Year.