The silent scourge of small communities
Empty buildings are a silent scourge ravaging small town downtowns across America, leaving a trail of economic devastation and community decay in their wake. These vacant structures, once bustling hubs of commerce and social activity, now stand as stark reminders of a bygone era, their empty windows staring blankly at passersby like the hollow eyes of a corpse. The impact of these abandoned edifices extends far beyond mere aesthetics. They are cancerous growths on the economic and social fabric of small towns, metastasizing to affect every aspect of community life.
The economic toll of vacant buildings is staggering. Abandoned properties result in an estimated $1.15 billion annual loss in property taxes, with $255 million of that in Chicago alone. This massive shortfall in tax revenue cripples’ local governments’ ability to provide essential services and maintain infrastructure. Empty storefronts also create a vicious cycle of disinvestment. As businesses close, foot traffic decreases, making it harder for remaining establishments to stay afloat. This downward spiral quickly turns a once-thriving downtown into a ghost town. In Youngstown, Ohio, the deindustrialization left 6,000 vacant buildings in 2013, accompanied by rising crime rates and declining public services.
Vacant buildings act as a contagion, infecting neighboring properties with decreased value. Vacant properties cause losses in property values that can amount to millions. This domino effect can trigger a wave of foreclosures and abandonment, further exacerbating the problem. The aesthetic blight of empty buildings sends a powerful negative message to both residents and visitors. As noted by the Preservation Leadership Forum, a deteriorating building can significantly hamper a community’s ability to attract new residents, businesses, and investment “https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/building-entrepreneurial-communiti…” \t “_blank”.
Empty buildings are magnets for crime and pose significant safety hazards. They strain local resources as municipalities struggle to maintain these properties and respond to associated emergencies. A community can spend a staggering amount on services related to vacant and abandoned properties that include code enforcement, police and fire dispatch. “https://communityprogress.org/blog/how-vacant-abandoned-buildings-affec…” \t “_blank”.
The National Vacant Properties Campaign defines these problematic properties as those posing threats to public safety or where owners neglect basic financial duties. These structures not only endanger residents but also burden local governments with costly nuisance abatement and crime prevention efforts.
The most insidious effect of empty buildings is their impact on community morale. These vacant structures symbolize neglect and apathy, eroding the sense of pride and identity that is crucial for small town vitality. Empty storefronts suggest unsafe conditions, complacency, and a lack of community pride. This psychological toll can be devastating, leading to a loss of confidence in the overall economic performance of the region. When residents lose faith in their downtown, they’re more likely to take their business elsewhere, further accelerating the cycle of decline.
Sprawl also undermines the traditional role of downtowns as community centers but also increases infrastructure costs. Moreover, the abandonment of downtown buildings often coincides with broader economic challenges. It has been found that having many abandoned buildings correlate with a 7.3% unemployment rate and a 35% poverty rate. These statistics paint a grim picture of the comprehensive decline that can follow when downtowns are hollowed out.
Addressing the issue of empty buildings requires a multifaceted approach. Some communities are taking innovative steps to revitalize their downtowns. In Waynoka, Oklahoma, a group of citizens banded together to purchase and renovate empty buildings, creating a model for community-driven renewal. Other strategies include implementing vacant building ordinances, offering targeted incentives for improvements, and creating public-private partnerships to repurpose abandoned spaces. The reuse of vacant buildings can be a powerful tool for economic development. Cities like Phoenix, Arizona have implemented programs specifically aimed at promoting the reclamation of existing spaces “https://interiorarchitects.com/the-impact-of-adaptive-reuse-on-economic…” \t “_blank”.
These initiatives not only breathe new life into empty buildings but also preserve the unique character and history of small-town downtowns. In conclusion, empty buildings are far more than just eyesores; they are existential threats to the viability of small-town downtowns. The economic, social, and psychological costs of these vacant structures are immense and far-reaching. However, with concerted effort, innovative thinking, and community engagement, it is possible to reverse this trend. By addressing the issue of empty buildings, small towns can reclaim their downtowns, restore their economic vitality, and rekindle the sense of community that is the heart and soul of rural America.
John Newby is a nationally recognized Columnist, Speaker, & Publisher. He consults with Chambers, Communities, Business & Media. This column appears in 60+ newspapers and media outlets. As founder of Truly-Local, he assists chambers, communities, media, and businesses in creating synergies that build vibrant communities. He can be reached at: John@Truly-Local.org.