Marina
After years of waiting, St. Louis County has officially relaunched its $11 million demolition initiative targeting over 230 vacant and blighted properties.
With bulldozers rolling again in Castle Point, county officials are moving to fulfill a long-overdue promise: cleaning up neighborhoods burdened by derelict houses and paving the way for redevelopment.
Background & Project Overview
- The project was first announced in November 2022, using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, but encountered delays due to federal restrictions on how those funds could be used.
- Yesterday, county leaders restarted the effort, signing off on the demolition of more than 200 derelict homes, with 230 total properties currently on the list.
Financial Breakdown
- The $11 million budget covers demolition costs estimated between $15,000 and $30,000 per property, in addition to ongoing maintenance after demolition.
- This funding originated from ARPA dollars but was recently shifted into the county’s general fund reserve to eliminate federal constraints and accelerate the process.
Groundbreaking Day in Castle Point
- On Tuesday, the first demolitions commenced in Castle Point, where County Executive Sam Page and Councilwoman Shalonda Webb marked the occasion by observing bulldozers at work.
- A construction worker explained that crews were spraying water on collapsing structures to contain asbestos and dust, ensuring safer demolition operations.
Community Sentiment
- Local residents, long plagued by safety hazards and derelict homes, expressed relief at seeing action:
- Ashanti Ose lamented the vacant properties attracting unsheltered individuals and illegal activity, stressing a desperate need for neighborhood change.
- Linda Moore described her neighborhood’s decline and voiced hope that demolitions signal a fresh start.
- Aliene Craig shared safety concerns stemming from poorly maintained houses and illegal dumping, urging the county to act swiftly.
- Councilwoman Webb acknowledged the sluggish pace but reaffirmed the county’s commitment to revitalizing the community and restoring property values.
Redevelopment & Land Bank Strategy
- County officials announced a newly created land bank to take legal control of vacant lots, streamline titles, and prepare parcels for resale or redevelopment.
- Executive Page believes that clearing these lots will transform liabilities into redevelopment opportunities, attracting builders and increasing tax revenue once homes are rebuilt.
- The county aims to complete demolition over the next year, clearing the way for housing or other neighborhood improvements.
Summary: St. Louis County Demolition Effort
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Restart | Relaunched after 2022 delay |
| Budget | $11 million |
| Properties Targeted | Over 230 derelict or vacant homes |
| Per-Demolition Cost | Estimated $15,000–$30,000 each; plus maintenance post-demo |
| Funding Source | ARPA funds redirected to general fund for flexibility |
| Location | Began in Castle Point, expanding across North St. Louis County |
| Safety Measures | Water spraying to suppress demolition dust and asbestos |
| Community Response | Residents voice relief; officials promise revitalization |
| Redevelopment Plan | Newly formed land bank to clear titles and enable property resale/building |
| Timeline | Demolition work expected over next year |
Nearly three years after the initial announcement, St. Louis County is finally moving forward with its $11 million demolition program.
The renewed effort—launched this week in Castle Point—signals a long-awaited turning point for neighborhoods plagued by derelict, vacant homes.
With over 230 properties in the pipeline, the county is tackling blight head-on, supported by a strategic land bank poised to facilitate redevelopment and neighborhood renewal. For residents and local leaders alike, this marks a hopeful step toward safer streets and a revitalized community.
