Birmingham Mayor Announces Plan to Demolish Condemned Homes

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced Tuesday that the city would begin a plan to demolish eight condemned houses a week for the next 16 weeks as part of Operation Step Up.

“Operation Step Up is not about law enforcement only. It’s first and foremost about the residents. This is neighborhood stabilization. Once we address the demolition, we’re able to move forward with a comprehensive revitalization plan,” the mayor said.

Woodfin said 381 structures have been condemned and are ready for demolition. The city has $750,000 currently available to demolish 125 condemned homes. Each structure costs an estimated $6,000 to demolish. The city says another 33 structures have been identified for demolition.

It takes about 10 weeks to move a property through the legal process and almost three days to clear the property, city officials said. Demolition is under way on 31 condemned houses by Public Works crews and four contractors.

As part of Operation Step Up, the mayor also said up to 70 additional Birmingham police officers have been identified to increase patrols on the streets. Police have identified strategic locations, based on crime data, to increase patrols.

Woodfin announced Operation Step Up on Feb. 16.

Image via City of Birmingham