Mayor Jones Unveils New Program To Stimulate Revitalizing Blighted Neighborhoods

Feb 1st, 2012

Mayor Sam Jones unveiled Wednesday a new initiative that will stimulate the redevelopment of hundreds of parcels of vacant and blighted properties that have become a public nuisance in many Mobile neighborhoods.

The Mobile Neighborhood Renewal Program will:

Create redevelopment opportunities by returning vacant and tax-delinquent properties to the property tax roll;
Reduce the number of vacant and abandoned properties in neighborhoods;
Revitalize neighborhoods by creating new housing opportunities, while conserving the existing housing stock;
Protect and stabilize property values in Mobile’s traditional neighborhoods.

The NRP is a public initiative which, through partnerships with the private sector, will facilitate the reintroduction of capital into neighborhoods.

“Blighted properties impede economic and residential development,” Mayor Sam Jones said. “The goal of NRP is to take these properties, and make them available for redevelopment. This will stimulate housing growth in the city and the revitalization of many blighted neighborhoods.”

A reinvestment in some of Mobile’s traditional neighborhoods was recommended two years ago in the New Plan For Mobile, a strategic plan designed to chart Mobile’s future. “These neighborhoods enhance the quality of life of the existing residents and attract new residents.”

The traditional neighborhoods cited in the plan were platted and settled from 1870s—1950s. They include Oakdale, Maysville, Texas Hills, the Campground, the Bottom and Trinity Gardens.


“These neighborhoods offer a sense of community unique to Mobile,” the mayor said. “As the city expanded westward, they were disinvested and lost population. This lead to blight.”

Many of the properties are tax-delinquent and have been abandoned by the owner of record because the amount due in back taxes exceeds the value of the property. The problem is further compounded by title problems.

Jones said the city was successful in getting legislation passed to address problems encountered with redeveloping tax-delinquent and abandoned properties.

How Will NRP Work:

The NRP will file an expedited Quiet Title Action against abandoned, tax delinquent properties. A successful Quiet Title Action will result in the city’s ability to convey marketable title, free and clear of any outstanding liens, to a new owner who must redevelop the properties.

By making properties available for redevelopment, the city will rejuvenate targeted neighborhoods, as recommended in the New Plan For Mobile.

NRP Expectations:

With the transfer of the abandoned and blighted properties to new owners and developers, the city will achieve the following:

Commercial and industrial redevelopment projects;
Both market rate and affordable residential redevelopment;
Side lot acquisitions;
Community improvement projects (green space, pocket parks and community gardens).

For more information, go to www.mobilenrp.com.