Vacant House on Early Street Still Attracting Illegal Activity
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A vacant house sitting at the corner of Early and Bragg Streets in Montgomery is attracting illegal activity. We told you about the house back in 2013 and it’s still standing and still causing problems for neighbors.
“Prostitution or whatever you want to call it, you have women selling their bodies sitting on the porch.” That’s what resident Angie Smith told us about 1009 Early Street back in 2013.
It’s a vacant house neighbors say attracts illegal activity. The house has been scheduled for demolition but people who live nearby say, it’s taking too long.
“Normally we get the same response, it’s in due process, etcetera,” says Charles Dillihay. “We understand due process but when does the process begin?”
In 2013, Alabama News Network did some digging and found the state of Alabama is listed as its owner. The state took possession in 2012, after the original owner failed to pay property taxes. Neighbor Charles Dillihay says he’s made hundreds of complaints about the house.
He’s filed a piece of paper for each time he’s contacted the city requesting it be torn down.
“Being just a block away from the Civil Rights trail, we have a lot of activity taking place on the trail but what about off the trail? You know, it’s good to have the face of the city looking well but when the people step off the trail what do they see?”
The Alabama Department of Revenue says if the home is unsafe or hazardous, the city has the authority to tear it down. Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange tells us the city is now looking in to just how much longer the house will be up.
” I hear about it all the time,” says Councilman David Burkette. “I get calls all the time.”
Burkette says he hopes the demo happens sooner than later.
“What goes on here is a continuation of prostitution, a continuation of drug trafficking.”
We also spoke with some neighbors who did not want to go on camera. They tell us what’s even worse, is that the house has a foul stench, especially when it rains.
We should know exactly when the house will be torn down early next week. Stay with Alabama News Network for more.
