Union City officials, led by Mayor Vince Williams, are moving ahead with a plan to reshape the city's landscape with the “Change Starts Here” campaign aimed at battling blight. At a press conference, the first symbolic demolition of a neglected property during the pandemic marked this strategic move. The event was a public message - it's time to take back the community's deteriorating spaces.
Located at 6405 Roosevelt Highway, the now-demolished building was an exemplar of the adverse conditions plaguing Union City. Widespread concerns about safety and barriers to progress triggered the city to take action. “Destroying this property is not just about removing a building—it's about clearing the way for a collective effort to tackle blight in our jurisdiction and promoting community pride and development,” Mayor Vince Williams conveyed in a statement obtained by Union City's website.
Police Chief Cassandra Jones highlighted the campaign's role in public safety, calling for an all-hands approach. “We are leading by example, but we need everyone’s support. Residents, business owners, and stakeholders—our future requires that we work together,” she noted in the same press conference. This broader strategy, part of an initiative called Reclaim, Renew, and Reimagine Union City, hinges on collaboration across various community sectors.
The city government is fervently pushing for more community involvement. Officials urge residents to report blight, while business owners are reminded to uphold the maintenance of their properties. Moreover, stakeholders are invited to contribute to revitalization efforts. Enthusiasts looking to join the fight against blight can find more information or report problematic properties by visiting Union City's website or contacting the Code Compliance Office.
Union City is recognized as Georgia's fastest-growing city, the area is undergoing significant development, including investments in parks, greenway trails, affordable housing, and upgraded infrastructure. These positive changes reflect the city's commitment to creating a sustainable, connected, and livable environment, making it an ideal place for growth and opportunity.
For further details or inquiries about the “Change Starts Here” campaign, the public can reach out to Xavier Walker, Marketing & Cultural Arts Manager, at [email protected]. The city stands as a testament to transformation, embracing change as clearing the old to make way for a vibrant future.
