Arson homes are evident all over the south side of Columbus. They pose a risk to health, deposits chemicals into soil, and bring many other hazards to the community. Once these houses are burned, they are often left abandoned and harbor crime.
Our team recommends tearing down these vacant arson properties and making a productive green space. Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman has an initiative to tear down the worst of the worst homes in Columbus. Money has been allocated over the next four years to tear down 900 homes within the city. Our team recommends that the city increase these efforts by garnering more grants and government funding, and encouraging more residents to volunteer to improve their communities.
A burned, vacated home at the corner of Reeb Avenue and Bruck Street in Columbus. Our team focused our action plan in our report on this vacant arson home. (Photo by Kyla McKee)
Our team studied what the city is currently doing about abandoned homes, soil contamination in the vacant lots, and how to properly remediate soils for different purposes. We also outlined how to achieve green spaces within the vacant areas once the houses and soil contaminants are removed. Green space is more eye-appealing than a vacant and abandoned lot, and can provide a gathering place, urban garden, or a green field for the surrounding community.