MIDLAND, Texas — When someone sees an unoccupied, dilapidated building or home in their community, it might not seem like that big of a deal at first glance. However, according to the City of Midland, those buildings have the potential to pose as a safety risk.
The city said they’ve been identifying dangerous buildings and reaching out to property owners to offer assistance through their Dangerous Buildings Program.
"What I want to say that's really unique about this council's approach is that last year they set aside about $50,000 in community development grant block funding to help people who maybe couldn't repair or demolish their houses on their own," said Elizabeth Triggs, the planning and development officer for the City of Midland.
This not only helps the property owners by relieving them of the usual costs, but also the surrounding members of the community by lowering the safety risk.
In the event the property does have to be demolished, Triggs said it can mean a new beginning.
“Eventually, in the long run, what we're hoping is that these properties go back on the tax rolls and whether they become new homes for people or in some cases, maybe if it's a commercial building home to a new retail store that they start to generate new revenue for all taxing entities that can then be put back into the communities that we serve,” said Triggs.
Triggs also said right now the city is prioritizing unoccupied structures where the property owners want the help.