Bill Agapion and Arco Realty
I've gotten a few calls and emails today about Tuesday's story, "Complex remains standing for now," some of which suggest taking tougher action against landowners that callers say are responsible for blight in the city.
Some of those suggested a creative approach that I am certain is not within the power of the city. Arnold Rogers writes, "make Mr. Agapion and his daughter move into these properties and live. Problems would probably get taken care of real damn fast."
The city is pledging to put more pressure on landlords, including filing suit against those who rent out homes that have been condemned.
So what do you think about substandard housing and the approach the city should take? Is an aggressive campaign in order, or are property owners well within their right to do largely what they want with their own homes?
Please leave us your thoughts by clicking the comments link below.
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Comments (7)
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Matt,
There is an interesting trend I have noticed about comments on my and other weblogs.
Whenever a blogger asks for comments and/or opinions... people tend to not respond. I can't explain it, but it is real.
I get the most comments when I report/blog about something and then offer my opinion about the subject matter. Might be more problematic for you, but thought I would alert you to the phenomenon.
Anyway, that being said... I think Bill Agapion should be declared a public nuisance. In addition he should be forced to live in those slums he maintains. There is precedence for the latter of my suggestions.
Posted on December 16, 2004 8:11 AM
Hey David. Matt is out today. So I'll just observe that you're accurate in your observation that overt expressions of opinions on our part might be problematic. As for Mr. Agapion, I'll leave that to Matt when he gets back in here on Friday (12/17).
Posted on December 16, 2004 9:45 AM
David,
What's the precedent you cite for forcing landlords to live in the units they rent out? I might be a little worried if a judge or an elected body had the power tell me where I must live.
Posted on December 17, 2004 10:34 AM
Judges tell people where they must live everyday, by sending them to prison or putting them on house arrest. I would have no problem with a Judge giving Mr Agapion 12 month house arrest in one of his rental units.
Posted on December 19, 2004 7:01 AM
I need no more taxes,to buy people who come to greensboro a job.
Posted on December 27, 2004 7:46 PM
I had rather live in Bill Agapion apartments,than under a bridge, or in a dumpster.what about you
Posted on December 27, 2004 7:54 PM
As a public servant paid to bring health education to the community, I have personally entered numerous Agapion properties, and can honestly tell you that no one would want their worst enemy to live in any of them. Mold and mildew cover every inch of his so called "residences", rodents mingle about with small children, gaping holes in ceilings, and peeling lead-filled paint are what you will find. As for Agapion's claim that it's the "dirty tenents" who muck up his properties: 100% B.S. ARCO lures renters into their lair through misrepresentation and half-truths.
No newborn baby deserves to sleep with rats and have lead paint falling on their crib.
All those in doubt, take a little stroll over to 806 Oak. St, and see for yourselves. Spend an afternoon on Cedar St. It is a crime against humanity, and those who turn a blind eye are just as guilty as ARCO.
Posted on February 11, 2005 2:46 PM