The Southside of Statesville has a housing problem. The area, covering approximately three square miles, is home to more than 50 abandoned homes. These homes range from long-term vacant homes that are board up to structures that are very unsafe to be around. These abandoned homes help compound the problems of a neighborhood that already has a crime and poverty rate. Ward Five city councilman John Staford describes the houses as a "blight" on the community, and ward three councilwoman Doris Allison said, the houses "just sit and rot away." Pictured, a school bus drives past an abandoned house at the 200 block of Fayetteville Avenue to drop off kids two houses down on Jan. 24. There are several bus stops in close vicinity of this abandoned house.
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