The City of Clearwater's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is grappling with the challenge of addressing blighted and condemned properties, as discussions during their recent meeting revealed a lack of effective outreach and engagement with homeowners. Committee members expressed concern over the city’s current approach, noting that despite efforts to connect with property owners through postcards and information about rehabilitation programs, there has been little to no response.

The committee reviewed a list of properties with ongoing code violations, some of which have accumulated significant fees over the years. Members questioned the effectiveness of the current strategies, suggesting that if initiatives are not yielding results, it may be time to reconsider their continuation. "If the idea just doesn't come to fruition, there's just not everything that makes sense in reality," one member remarked, highlighting the need for practical solutions.

The discussion also touched on the status of condemned properties, with some committee members expressing concern about the living conditions of occupants in these homes. They emphasized that no one should be living in condemned properties, underscoring the urgency of finding viable rehabilitation options.

As the committee continues to evaluate its strategies, the focus remains on how to better engage homeowners and effectively address the issues surrounding blighted properties. The next steps will involve reassessing outreach methods and exploring new avenues to encourage participation in rehabilitation programs, aiming to improve living conditions and reduce the number of condemned homes in Clearwater.