Spruce up rentals to deter vandals
The following is a Counterpoint:
By: Becky Kates
Lorraine Ahearn's column about the problems encountered by landlord Wayne Stutts ("When vandals strike, landlord fights back," Nov. 18) is indeed a sad sign of the times. But it left me wondering why Stutts' houses and so many others in Greensboro have remained vacant for so long.
In the five years that I have lived in the Glenwood neighborhood, I have passed by 805 and 807 Gregory St. on a regular basis, and they have been vacant as far back as I can remember.
According to deeds on record with Guilford County, Stutts' rental company has owned 805 since 1986 and 807 since 2003.
Vacant houses are an obvious eyesore, contributing to perceptions of crime in an area. And they are easy targets for squatters and vandals and contribute to elevated levels of actual crimes in the same area.
Unfortunately, desperate people watch what goes on and strike houses that seem to be abandoned.
In frustration, Stutts resorted to putting bars on the windows of his houses. "What else could I do?" he asks.
I would submit to Stutts an example less than 50 yards from the houses he owns on Gregory Street: a restored two-story bungalow at 912 Union St. I am acquainted with the man who fixed up this house and owned it as a rental property for three years. Despite the bleak surroundings, he had no problems with vandalism while the house was being renovated and he had no problems finding good tenants. How did he do it?
First, he went well beyond the minimum housing standards, making the house look very attractive.
Second, he went the extra mile and provided furniture and free Internet service to attract college students looking for an affordable option. Because Stutts' properties on Gregory Street have virtually no front or back yards, he may have better luck attracting students than a family.
Restoration of a neighborhood happens house by house, block by block. I would urge Stutts to become part of the solution by bringing his houses up to a high standard as quickly as possible. With some extra effort and a little creative thinking, the properties owned by Stutts can be both attractive and profitable. Bars on the windows are only a temporary solution to the problems this landlord has encountered.
I hope Stutts will choose to join the Greater Glenwood Neighborhood Association in our many efforts to revitalize our community.
The writer lives in Greensboro.
Comments (2)
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I live RIGHT there, and you are correct. I have seen so many drug deals happen there it is rediculous. Once with a man running out of one of those 2 addresses and down the street with what appeared to be a Kilo under his shirt. I would like to also call out Bulent Bediz who owns 2 of the three abandoned houses across the street. EVERY day there are people sneaking around the back of these properties, a lot of times with prostitutes. Bulent Bediz owns a vast amount of completely abandoned properties that give all of this crime a safe place to occur. This neighborhood wouldnt have so many streetwalking crack zombies if they did not have an unlimited amount of free housing options thanks to these landlords.
Posted on December 5, 2007 10:21 AM
I live RIGHT there, and you are correct. I have seen so many drug deals happen there it is rediculous. Once with a man running out of one of those 2 addresses and down the street with what appeared to be a Kilo under his shirt. I would like to also call out Bulent Bediz who owns 2 of the three abandoned houses across the street. EVERY day there are people sneaking around the back of these properties, a lot of times with prostitutes. Bulent Bediz owns a vast amount of completely abandoned properties that give all of this crime a safe place to occur. This neighborhood wouldnt have so many streetwalking crack zombies if they did not have an unlimited amount of free housing options thanks to these landlords.
Posted on December 5, 2007 10:25 AM