County tackles problem properties

The County is committed to stepping up to address abandoned properties in unincorporated St. Louis County, however, finding the funds has been one of the challenges in addressing this public health and safety issue.

In October, the County Council committed $11 million in federal relief money allowing the County to make real headway in taking down vacant buildings. Taking down a property and cleaning up a lot can cost as much as $30,000.

“Addressing these types of buildings will increase property values, provide development opportunities, and create safer, more attractive neighborhoods, especially in unincorporated parts of St. Louis County like Castle Point, Spanish Lake and

The Nuisance Abatement Team in Transportation and Public Works monitored

1,196 properties and conducted 563 property cleanups that resulted in the removal of 3,400 cubic yards of brush and rubbish and 165 tires. The crews also removed 237 trash cans that were returned to the trash hauler and mowed 2,629 lots.

Glasgow Village,” County Executive Dr. Sam Page said.

This year, the Problem Property Unit in the Department of Transportation and Public Works was able to take down a handful of vacant and abandoned buildings. In partnership with law enforcement and code enforcement, they tackle and solve especially persistent problem properties.

In May, County Executive Page and Councilwoman Shalonda Webb joined dozens of volunteers for a community clean-up day in Castle Point. Debris, trash, and brush were removed from 30 vacant properties in the neighborhood. With these federal funds, the County can take down the vacant and abandoned homes that cannot be addressed by volunteers on a clean-up day.