Dear readers,
You have probably noticed some changes to the blog recently. As this blog has matured, I’ve become concerned about the accuracy of the information that is presented here, and the format in which it is presented. Everything that has been posted to date has been compiled from public information–in other words, all of this information is available to anyone who takes the time to look it up. As simple as that sounds, aggregating this information is, I believe, a very informative, if simple, tool.
The majority of the information is pulled from data available on the City of Richmond’s website. In large part, this information seems to be accurate, although not always up to date. Although it would be easy and simple enough to compile this information and present it here, along with photos and commentary, I’ve become uncomfortable lately with the idea that this information is incomplete and not telling the whole story. For example, there are instances where the City lists individuals as being the point of contact for vacant properties, yet folks claiming to know assert that those individuals have nothing to do with the vacant property. In other cases, it may be canceled building permits or transaction amounts listed in the City’s parcel mapper. Without a better way to verify this information or put it into context, one way or another, it puts the credibility of this blog at stake.
In an effort to continue highlighting Richmond’s vacant, blighted property problem fairly, accurately, and effectively, you may notice some more changes to this blog as we figure out how best to move forward. A few years ago, there was a great website called “vacant richmond” that ended up going on an indefinite hiatus due to the outdated nature of the information they were using. I hope that will not be the case here, but I do want to feel more comfortable about the information that is presented and the manner in which it is presented.
Speaking for myself and the folks who have helped out, Richmond is a city with incredible potential. Unlike larger cities with blighted property problems, Richmond’s is manageable in scale, if only there were enough political will, civic responsibility, and resources directed towards the issue. Admittedly, blighted property is only one of a number of issues that hold Richmond back from reaching its potential. However, blighted property is an issue that can be dealt with easily enough, in my humble opinion. If you own a blighted property, fix it up or sell it to someone who will.
The amount of input from readers, in addition to being recognized recently by rvanews as best new blog of 2009, reassures me that this issue is one that resonates in Richmond, and that residents of this city do feel strongly about the presence of blighted properties in their neighborhoods. If you have ideas, suggestions, or want to be involved, feel free to leave a comment or email rvaslumlordwatch[at]gmail[dot]com
April 13, 2010 at 5:38 pm |
I think for the most part these folks do not want their junk properties connected with them. It is unfortunate that the blog is taking this new direction. I had previously enjoyed the outing of these rats. Were you threatened with legal action?
April 19, 2010 at 12:46 am |
Thanks Jack. No threatened lawsuits, although the lawyer in me did get concerned with the quality of the information I was getting from the available sources. An abundance of precaution, I suppose.
June 22, 2010 at 4:01 pm |
I get those emails a lot — and only in one instance was the person telling the truth about not owning property in Baltimore City. Maryland has two sources to find ownership of property — the land records database (where you can see PDFs of the actual deeds and mortgage documents) and the SDAT — a database run by the Dept. of Taxation.
Don’t let people scare you away from blogging about Richmond’s blight problems. Remember — the people who own these homes, for the most part, are dishonest in every aspect of their lives — not just in business. Of course they’re going to send you emails saying they’re not the owner — however, if the Commonwealth says they are, you can’t dispute that, unless you have an alternate way to search.
You have great momentum — keep up the great work!