Anti-Blight Division

What is Urban Blight?

Urban blight is a term used to describe the decline of cities or neighborhoods. It happens when buildings, roads, and other infrastructure become old and run-down, or when people move away and businesses shut down. This can make an area look abandoned or unsafe, which can create problems for the people who live there. Urban blight can also attract crime and make it hard for people to find good places to live, work, or visit. To prevent urban blight, cities and communities may take steps like fixing up old buildings, creating new businesses and public spaces, and making sure that people feel safe and welcome in their neighborhoods.

Examples of Blight Include:

• Overgrown Grass: Did you know that your grass should be no higher than 15 inches over most of your property or gone to seed? Please keep your yard maintained. Remember, knee high is too high.
• Abandoned, Unsightly Homes, Buildings & Properties: Vacant and abandoned properties have negative spillover effects that impact neighboring properties and, when concentrated, entire communities and even cities. Property with missing or boarded windows and doors, broken glass, fire damage, crumbling stone or brick, inadequate maintenance of siding and paint, and all other evidence of deterioration cause reduced property values, increased crime, increased risk to public health and welfare, and increased costs for municipal governments.
• Debris on Property: Debris on property may include garbage, trash, rubbish, waste material, deteriorated equipment, dumpsters, car parts, bulk trash, boats, abandoned cars. This reduces property values and creates a risk to public health and welfare to the community and the entire city. 

How Can You Help prevent Urban Blight?

• Keeping your property clean and well-maintained: When individuals take care of their property, it can help prevent urban blight from spreading. This includes everything from mowing the lawn to fixing broken windows.
•  Reporting blight to the appropriate authorities: Individuals should report any instances of blight to the appropriate authorities, such as the local government or non-profit organizations that specialize in cleaning up neighborhoods.
  • You can report a blighted property through Bridgeport 311 or by calling 203-576-7765
  • When reporting blight, individuals should provide as much information as possible, including the location of the blighted property, what is wrong with the property, and any other relevant details.
• Getting involved in community efforts: Individuals can join community efforts to prevent urban blight, such as volunteering for local cleanup efforts or attending neighborhood meetings.
• Supporting local businesses: Supporting local businesses can help prevent urban blight by creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
• Engaging with neighbors: Building relationships with neighbors can help prevent urban blight by creating a sense of community and responsibility for the area. This can lead to people taking greater pride in their neighborhoods and taking action to prevent blight.

More Information:

City of Bridgeport Anti-Blight Ordinance

Bridgeport Trash and Recycling Disposal Days

Bridgeport 311 to Report Blighted Property