City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL) Thirteen Talladega homes eligible to be demolished via the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program were inspected for asbestos this week. Once inspections are completed, the bidding process for demolition will begin.  Funds are currently available for approximately 60 more homes to be inspected and scheduled for demolition. The properties will be demolished at no cost to the property owner, who maintains ownership of the land. Individuals interested in participating in the program must be the legal property owner or have a legal right to the property. This year, the grant will primarily target abandoned, dilapidated properties in Ward 1.  For more information, contact Building Inspector Jeanette Jueckstock at buildinginspector@talladega.com or 256-362-8186, extension 1027.

“This initiative is funded by a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) which, along with a $90,000 match from the city, will aid in the continuation of the Talladega’s ongoing blight removal program,” said City Manager Derrick Swanson.  “I commend our building inspector and our council members for laying the foundation for a more beautiful city by helping to identify eligible properties and ensure the program’s success.” 

Ward 1 Councilman Steve Dickerson said, “I am excited about helping to transform the community by reducing blight.  Many of the abandoned properties in my ward were inherited from a parent or other family member. In many cases, the owner realizes that the property is essentially beyond repair but cannot afford to have it demolished. The grant removes this obstacle.”

“Last year, the city was able to demolish 35 buildings in the Knoxville community thanks to a $250,000 CDBG grant.  The $400,000 we received this year is the maximum amount available for a small city,” Jueckstock added.  “I urge residents to contact me as soon as possible if they are eligible and interested.”

The primary project area runs north along the 275 Bypass to Sloan Avenue, then from Sloan to Stephen J. White Memorial Boulevard and Westwood Circle, Westwood Circle to East Battle Street and East Battle Street back to the bypass.  The grant is administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and earmarked for the removal of blighted, non-historic properties that are abandoned and unoccupied.