Daleville, Ala. (WDNews) – A major effort is now underway to clean up and revitalize parts of Daleville that have long been considered rundown or hazardous.
Mayor Jayme Stayton is carrying out the first phase of a revitalization plan aimed at tearing down several unsafe buildings. Stayton says he has been working with Southeast Regional Planning for two years to receive a grant for demolition.
The project focuses on demolishing nine buildings located across Daleville that are seen as eyesores and unsafe.
The first building was demolished today, May 29, across from Culpepper Park. It was once a home and was also a car lot at one time.
Some of the other buildings are near a school and this is where some of the safety concerns stem from.
Children walk past these buildings on their school commute. Having the buildings gone will increase visibility in the area and improve student safety.
The mayor confirmed that the homeless population of Daleville are squatting in the buildings and possibly doing drugs.
The revitalization effort also supports economic development, according to Stayton. He believes it will be easier for businesses to invest in coming to Daleville when they do not have to do the demolition themselves.
“This is about giving Daleville a better look,” Mayor Stayton said in an interview.
