Tearing down St. Louis County problem properties

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – St. Louis County is taking a major step to tackle problem properties. More than 200 vacant homes across the county are set to come down as part of an $11 million demolition initiative. 

“That $11 million was directed from $193 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds that were sent to us from the federal government as part of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery process,” St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said.

Neighbors in Castle Point were pleased to see the heavy machinery rolling – a sign of a long-awaited fresh start.

“This is so very exciting for me personally and the community,” Linda Vaughn said. “This is wonderful to have one of many homes to be torn down and then have a new home rebuilt.”

The St. Louis County Council approved the funding, and officials said these homes often attract crime and create hazards for families living nearby.

“I'm excited about these derelict homes to be torn down and then the opportunity for them to be put back on the market and developers come back in—responsible developers—and give us new, revived hope,” Councilwoman Shalonda Webb said.

Community leaders said it’s just the first step and they will move from neighborhood to neighborhood until at least more than 200 homes are cleared.

“Today means hope and evidence of hard work. It’s about a community not giving up, about leadership putting community first and not their priorities, but the community’s priorities. To tell Castle Point, you are not forgotten; yes, there is work to be done, but I am here for it.”