If Birmingham's new mayor has his way, dilapidated houses across the city will be removed every day.

"It is my plan to tear down as many houses every day as is possible. Whether if we have to outsource it or our own demolition team within the city of Birmingham or city employees are out here every day," Woodfin said.



The new mayor is not the first to tear down homes. But he says his approach to ridding the city of blighted homes on a daily basis is far more aggressive than previous administrations. He oversaw the demolition of the first house to come down under his administration Friday. Hattie Williams' home is nearby. Over the 40 years she's lived in the community near Rickwood Field she's seen its downward spiral. She even had to live next door to one of the burned homes for 3 years.

"People coming in and living in the house at night. I have called the police so many times. It's dangerous when you live alone," Williams said.

Woodfin says getting rid of the homes should be a basic service to the city's residents.

"Any of the properties we can tear down to better protect that resident we will do it," Woodfin said.



It won't be cheap. The city estimates there are between 8,500-10,000 homes in need of demolition. With a cost of $3,500 - $5,000 per home, it could cost Birmingham up to $50,000,000 to complete this project.

"It is an expensive price tag but it is the start of neighborhood revitalization. It is worth the cost," Woodfin said.

Once the homes in disrepair are removed, Woodfin says his team wants to see affordable, single family homes placed on the empty lots. Williams is hopeful the project will be a success.

"I pray that he does what he says he's going to do," Williams said.

