City Takes Action on Blight Properties

Changes to Virginia's Spot Blight law a year ago now allows local governments to be more proactive in dealing with properties in extreme disrepair. 

And Manassas City staff has done just that, utilizing the new ordinances for the first time in May of 2011 to deal with several properties. 

The derelict home at 9460 Wellington Rd. near Dean Drive is to be removed by Wednesday; while another property on Grant Avenue has already been removed, according to city documents. An abandoned house at 9008 Sudley Rd. is set to go to auction tomorrow and the property at 9530
Prince William St. (across from ) has seen some attention and put up for sale.

. Bank of America took control of the building on July 1, 2011 and secured the structure. City officials decided to allow the bank to proceed with the foreclosure process and repair it or sell it, court documents state.  No action has been taken by the bank as of the Oct. 10 City Council meeting. 

City staff is recommending action be taken on the property on Prescott Avenue before the winter months. "One more winter and it won't make it," said Liz Via- Gossman, director for the Office of Community Development for the City of Manassas.

City staff has also identified new properties currently being evaluated for blight. Potential action on the following properties under either the Building Officials authorities or the City Council's spot blight abatement authorities is possible:

• 9942 Wellington Rd. (adjacent to )

• 9023 Centreville Rd. (Treasures and Traditions)

• 9519 Prince William St. (across from )

• 9406 Stonewall Rd. (across from Lee Square)