Like most neighborhoods, Audubon Park does have some problem properties. Thanks to the hard work of neighborhood volunteers, our number of problems will soon be reduced by one. 2632 Polk St. NE is set for demolition.

In 2007, what had been the Audubon Neighborhood Association’s (ANA) “Terrible 20” problem property list evolved into the 1st Ward Problem Property Group. 2632 Polk was always near the top of the agenda. Through the persistence of ANA and [Northeast Citizen Patrol], and with guidance from public officials, this dismal duplex was added to the City’s Problem Properties Unit (PPU).

The PPU gave the owner every chance to make the property livable and compliant with code. The owner resisted at every step. Finally, on July 23, 2008, copper thieves got inside the now-vacant building. Three feet of water had accumulated in the basement. The PPU propsed the duplex be demolished due to structural deficiencies.

The loss of a house is no cause for celebration. But the elimination of a persistent problem is something our community can be proud of.