Revitalizing Bristol: Abandoned properties get new life to help combat trespassing issues

Bristol, Virginia Battles Trespassing with Urban Revitalization

Historically enchanting yet plagued with the increasingly growing issue of trespassing in abandoned properties, the city of Bristol, Virginia has decided to rejuvenate its urban space. The city has given the green light to local real estate agents for the restoration of abandoned structures to combat trespassing and vandalism.

Breathing New life into Bristol’s Old Properties

Daniel Shew, a Bristol-based real estate agent, has rolled up his sleeves to flip several vacant homes into lively, safe habitats. Shew’s excitement is palpable, “We have a heavy focus on old structures, which we have plenty of in Bristol,” he said. With an evident upward spike in trespassing incidents in vacant buildings, Shew’s initiative is not only a leap towards urban beautification but a vital step to combat the growing dangers associated with unoccupied buildings.

The Dark Side of Abandoned Buildings

The issue of trespassing is not merely a legal concern but a significant safety hazard as well. “When people go in, they typically don’t have any regard for people who own it or anything concerning the building as far as the safety of it or anything else, or the neighbors beside of it,” observed Josh Slagle, property maintenance official, City of Bristol, Virginia. He frets about the numerous occasions when trespassers have set fire to these buildings or vandalized them.

A Welcome Change for Bristol

Seeing these old structures regain their charm through careful restoration is a heartening sight for the city. Citizens are pleased with the new leaf their cityscape is turning over. Slagle, jubilant about the positive turn, says, “It’s good to see people taking initiative to actually come in and fix up properties. It definitely helps the withering housing stock we see here in the city.”

Flipping Properties – A Win-Win for All

Shew’s passion for remodeling these old-world properties transcends just aesthetics. “One thing I noticed when I first came to Bristol was the architecture, there’s beautiful architecture here — I’ve been passionate about historic buildings and architecture since I was a teen,” Shew explained. But more than the love for structures, Shew is fueled by his love for people that further propels him in his mission, giving these abandoned houses a warm makeover that offers much-needed housing for locals.

The Road Ahead

The reception from the Bristol community has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s mostly good feedback, most people are very happy about what we are doing, especially people that have lived in Bristol a long time,” celebrates Shew. He, however, acknowledges the critiques voicing concerns about gentrification and displacement but vehemently negates it, saying, “We are taking mostly vacant buildings and renovating them, and making them better.”

With numerous upcoming projects lined up, the city and agents like Shew are eager to continue their mission. The revitalization of Bristol is not just a face-lift of the city’s aesthetics but an essential strategy to help combat growing trespassing issues, improving safety, and creating a more vibrant city.