Bringing Down the House: County clears new path for community revival

Bringing Down the House: County clears new path for community revival

In early August, the County tore down the "Blue House," a condemned property at 3925 Mohr Ave. in St. Petersburg. This demolition marked a major milestone in the County's ongoing efforts to improve the area.

When County Code Enforcement officers first inspected the "Blue House" in 2019, they found it in a deplorable condition. Originally zoned as a motel with four rooms, the building was unlawfully converted into 11 smaller rooms, with thin plywood for walls and garden hoses for plumbing. Tenants lived in hazardous conditions such as raw sewage pouring out of their kitchen and bathroom faucets. The County worked with community partners to help these residents move to safer and cleaner places.

The "Blue House" was also a hub for criminal activity. Since 2018, the County Sheriff's Office received more than 800 calls, mostly related to drug dealing.

The County is reviewing fees and fines and moving ahead with foreclosure pursuant to state law. This process opens opportunities for new investment and possible affordable housing projects.