City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL)  Goodbye, blight! Talladega has been awarded a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) which, along with a $90,000 match from the city, will aid in the continuation of an ongoing blight removal initiative.  Last year, the city was able to demolish 35 buildings in the Knoxville community thanks to a $250,000 CDBG grant.  This year, the grant will primarily target properties in Ward 1.  The project area runs north along the 275 Bypass to Sloan Avenue, then from Sloan to Stephen J. White Memorial Boulevard and Westwood Circle, Westwood Circle to East Battle Street and East Battle Street back to the bypass.

The grant is administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and earmarked for the removal of blighted, non-historic properties that are abandoned and unoccupied.  The properties are demolished at no cost to the property owner, who maintains ownership of the land. Individuals interested in participating in the program must be the legal property owner or have a legal right to the property.

“Reducing blight helps improve the quality of life for residents,” said City Manager Seddrick Hill Sr. “Last year, I watched as some of the blighted homes were demolished in Knoxville. Residents cheered. Homes that had been an eyesore for years were finally gone, and the community looked so much better.”

“I am excited about helping to clean up the community. I know a large percentage of the residents in my ward, and I am thrilled by the feedback I have received about the upcoming demolitions,” said Ward 1 Councilman Steve Dickerson. “In many instances, the property owners inherited the home from a parent or other family member. They realize that the property is essentially beyond repair, but they cannot afford to have it demolished. The grant removes this obstacle.”

Building Inspector Jeanette Jueckstock said, “Thus far, ten property owners have committed to participating in the program and many have expressed an interest.  I anticipate that we will be able to demolish over 70 abandoned properties, and I urge residents to contact me as soon as possible if they are eligible and interested. Demolition will begin in early spring, but now is the time to sign up.”

“The $400,000 we received this year is the maximum amount available for a small city,” she added.

For more information, contact Ms. Jueckstock at buildinginspector@talladega.com or 256-362-8186, extension 1027.

Pictured left to right: Councilman Steve Dickerson, Building Inspector Jeanette Jueckstock and City Manager Seddrick Hill Sr.