News Flash

The City of Jacksonville is set to tear down its 100th structure as part of its Clean & Green Jacksonville and downtown revitalization campaigns. The two campaigns have worked to clear the downtown area of slum and blight, and now new homes stand where abandoned, unsafe structures were once falling apart.

In a short ceremony on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 10AM, City officials will start the work to remove the 99th and 100th structures selected for demolition. The ceremony will take place at the site of the structures, 121 Poplar Street in downtown Jacksonville.

Since 2010, through the City’s Voluntary Demolition and Clearance Program, commercial and residential structures that have been abandoned or neglected and deemed unsafe have been demolished in order to rid the City of slum and blight. By clearing certain structures that pose health and safety risks, the City is helping to pave the way for rehabilitation and renewal of the downtown area and other parts of the City.

Jacksonville Community Development Administrator, Lillie Gray says, “In order to enhance the quality of life for our Citizens, improve the appearance of neighborhoods and encourage reinvestment in areas that suffer from blighted conditions, the Voluntary Demolition and Clearance Program has been a wonderful tool. By addressing the ‘broken window’ theory, we send a message that our neighborhoods, and the families that live within them, are important and worthy of preservation. This is just one element that reflects our desire to be a Caring Community.”

The demolition ceremony is open to the public. Immediately following the demolition, wreath presentations will take place for two new homeowners in the area, a testament to the success of downtown revitalization efforts.

For more information about the demolition ceremony or new homeowner wreath presentations, contact Community Development Administrator Lillie Gray at 910 938-5285.