NAMPA -- The city's abandoned house demolition program kicked off its final year of operation in spectacular fashion Monday with a practice burn by the fire department.
The burn at 915 7th St. North will be followed by another today at a house next door. This will bring to 176 the number of structures demolished since the program began three years ago.
The goal is to enhance property values in North Nampa while improving the appearance of neighborhoods by removing blighted structures.
The program is strictly voluntary. If property owners agree to take part, the city will pay for the cost of demolition and cleanup, which averages about $1,200 for each lot. The owner retains title to the property.
Along with abandoned houses, garages, barns and sheds have also been knocked down.
Funded through the Nampa Urban Renewal Agency, the abandoned house program will draw to a close when the agency ceases to exist Oct. 1.
Kay Frances, the consultant who runs the program for the city, said even though time is running out, she has identified 160 other properties as likely candidates for demolition.
"I'll be sending out letters (to property owners) over the next few months telling them it's their last chance to participate," Frances said. "We have to have all the structures taken down by the end of September. I plan to go full bore on it this spring ... We'll do what we can 'til the money runs out."
There is about $125,000 available to demolish structures this fiscal year.
Frances said there is some evidence that the long-term goal of raising property values is already happening. She said a quick survey showed that cleared lots that were on the market for $6,000-$9,000 last year are priced at $20,000-$25,000 now. "This is what we were hoping for all along."
She said that on 48 of the properties where abandoned houses have been taken down, new construction is under way or planned in the future.
The abandoned houses set afire this week are among several structures being cleared away to make room for the eventual expansion by Tom Scott Honda on 11 Avenue South.
General Manager Dick Scott said he would like to see more investment in North Nampa. "I wish more people would come in and do what we're doing. I think (North Nampa) is starting to come along."
Marty Ogan, Nampa fire training officer, said the burning of two houses this week culminates three months of training at them.
He said firefighters in training learn techniques such as forcible entry, ventilation, and searching for and removing victims.
The Nampa Police Department also used these abandoned houses for law enforcement training.
