Pine Bluff, AR – The City of Pine Bluff is aware of the recent documentary titled “The City Left Behind: $400 Abandoned Homes in Pine Bluff” that has gained attention on YouTube. This documentary sheds light on the ongoing challenges of abandoned properties within our community, a pressing issue that the City has been actively addressing through various initiatives.
Mayor Shirley Washington recognizes the importance of this issue and is committed to improving the quality of life for all Pine Bluff residents. “While the documentary brings attention to a serious problem, it also serves as a call to action for our community to come together to tackle these challenges,” said Mayor Washington. “We are dedicated to revitalizing our neighborhoods and ensuring that Pine Bluff remains a safe and thriving place to live.”
City’s Efforts to Address Abandoned Properties
The City has implemented several programs to address the issue of abandoned homes:
• Pine Bluff Green Sweep Initiative: Launched in 2022, the Green Sweep initiative is in partnership with city entities including Code Enforcement, the Pine Bluff Police Department, Go Forward Pine Bluff (GFPB) and the Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency. This initiative focuses on educating the community on code standards to prevent future violations and highlight any blight.
• Demolition and Rehabilitation Projects: The City has allocated funds to demolish unsafe structures and rehabilitate others that can be salvaged. These efforts are aimed at reducing crime, improving public safety, and enhancing property values.
• Community Partnerships: The City is working closely with community organizations, residents, and investors to find innovative solutions to the issue of abandoned properties. Collaborative efforts have already resulted in the successful rehabilitation of several homes.
The documentary has sparked a necessary conversation about the state of housing in Pine Bluff. We encourage residents, business owners, and community leaders to engage in this dialogue and contribute ideas that can lead to sustainable solutions.
“Pine Bluff is a city rich in history and culture, located in the heart of Arkansas. With a commitment to economic growth and community development, Pine Bluff is working to create a vibrant future for all its residents.”
