FORT VALLEY, Ga. — As a way to curb crime and improve folks' quality of life, the Fort Valley Police Department are joining the fight against blight.
The Fort Valley Police Department says they're looking for homes that violate city codes, like abandoned or dilapidated buildings.
They also plan to tackle overgrown grass, scattered trash, junked cars, and properties with appliances left outside.
The Fort Valley City Marshal will also help address these issues.
"I think it's a great thing," says Bruce Greene.
Greene is from Fort Valley, and says he's seen the blight.
He says its a result of being in a small town and falling behind the times.
"We're so stuck in structure that we don't want to move. We have to be forced to move, so it's just going forward," he says.
However, Greene sees some flaws in their plan.
The police department says after a warning violators could receive a citation or a daily fine of $144-500.
Greene says people don't have money, and that's why there is blight.
"All small towns have abandoned homes. That's due to taxpayers not having money due to inheritance," he says.
He also doesn't believe it will really help curb crime.
"I mean, I'm just keeping it real. No, I don't think it will change. I think that if anyone wants to take, they're going to take regardless," he says.
Greene says the city's new encouragement may spark change.
In order for there to be change, there has to be a movement," he says.
The department plans to roll this out over the next few months, and they are asking for your help. You can report blight in your neighborhood to Fort Valley Police at 478-825-3383.