Dec 8, 2015 2 min read

Within just three-and-one-third square miles, there are more than 25 residential properties slated for demolition in the city of Washington. The land surrounding these dilapidated structures often exhibits the by-product of neglect in the form of overgrown vegetation and garbage and snow accumulation.

With a limited budget to deal with blight, officials have been searching for a solution.

Councilman Joe Manning thinks he may have found one.

He and representatives of Arc Human Services proposed a plan to forge a mutually beneficial relationship during Monday’s City Council agenda meeting, through which Arc clients would clean up the neglected properties at little cost to the city.

“There would be no up-front costs,” said James Settembrino, director of Arc Human Services. “And it would be an opportunity for us to provide our folks with some job training.”

Arc is an organization that assists people with disabilities through residential services, vocational rehabilitation, job training and employment. Settembrino said the opportunity also would enable clients to be seen as productive members of society – another one of Arc’s missions.

“It’s going to be a huge help,” said Manning, head of the finance department. “It will raise the profile of these workers, many who are city residents.”

Manning said the city had a similar partnership with a different organization, but that faltered years ago.

“It will really satisfy a need to clean up a lot of these abandoned properties,” Manning said.

After gaining formal approval from council, probably in January, Manning will draw up an agreement between the two entities. Arc workers will cut grass, pick up trash, remove snow and do other minor landscaping work.

Manning said the idea is to clean up the properties and sell them. When all liens are satisfied, the city would give a portion to Arc.

“I think its going to be a win-win for their organization and the city,” Manning said. “We’re looking at it long term.”