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MHS.1927
Wednesday, August 24, 2011: 11:14 am
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I think they've had more than a fair amount of time to "fix" these homes. If they do not have funds available to fix houses in the amount of time allowed, then it's time to tear them down. Sentimental value should not be a valid reason to allow unsafe eyesores to remain.

jon
Wednesday, August 24, 2011: 3:25 pm
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I understand sentimental value but enough is enough....let's talk about property value! Thes old empty houses bring property value down for everyone around them. Not only that but they are an eyesore for the residents of Martinsville! We also have quite a few rental houses around this town that need addressed. People own rental property but do not care what it looks like or who they rent to. They won't make exterior repairs that need done but don't hesitate to put those monthly checks into their bank account. These "slumlords" for lack of a better word need fined by the city or something.... these houses also affect property value for the homeOWNERS in the neighborhood.

I am watching you
Wednesday, August 24, 2011: 7:08 pm
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I've lived in this community for 22 years and both of the properties named in the article have been eyesores this entire time. I don't know if I've ever seen anyone living in the house on Washington street. The one on Columbus street has had people living in it off and on through the years, but no one has ever stayed more than a few months. It's time to take them down. There are enough eyesores in this town.

Yes, there are several slum lords who don't take care of their properties either. They should also be addressed by the housing authority. If Martinsville wants quality citizens living in the community, the city needs to take a stand to make this a desirable community to live in. As long as nothing is done quality citizens will choose to live some place else.

jackisb
Thursday, August 25, 2011: 10:38 am
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I lived in the columbus house in 1978 and it needed condemned then.

Annie
Thursday, August 25, 2011: 2:04 pm
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Some rental properties in Martinsville are in better condition than owner occupied homes!

moco55
Thursday, August 25, 2011: 6:21 pm
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Here we go again with the "oh that was Grandma's house and we want it saved" feelings. How warm were the memories when Dad wasn't even allowed to set foot in the home. Not many warm and fuzzy memories could have been made there.
Let those who feel the houses are habitable put up or shut up. Move in there with the cats, raccoons and other varmits that call them home. Every time this issue arises the family makes a few calls like they are seriously going to do something positive and lets another year lapse. I applaud the city for taking initiative. Let this be an example for other rundown property around town.

We talk about attracting new business to Martinsville. Surveys are taken of our area concerning schools, resident skills, education, rental property percentages, along with community pride. How would anyone take us serious when Washington Street & Columbus Street, both main arteries in our city and a major part of our parade that showcases our city annually, have such eyesores.

Lets lead by example and see these properties demolished as they should have been decades ago.

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