Union City, Georgia, is making a big push to clean up its neighborhoods, starting with a program called Change Starts Here<\/i>.<\/p>\n
Imagine living in a neighborhood where empty, rundown houses are replaced with new, welcoming spaces.<\/p>\n
Many Union City residents have been waiting for this shift, and Mayor Vince Williams is leading this exciting project.<\/p>\n
With Change Starts Here<\/i>, Union City is making the city safer, more attractive, and a better place to live and work.<\/p>\n
Through this effort, the mayor and his team hope to raise property values, cut down on crime, and invite more business opportunities.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s explore how this program works, what\u2019s happening now, and what it means for everyone in Union City.<\/p>\n
Union City\u2019s Change Starts Here<\/i> program officially began when a demolition crew tore down an old, vacant house on Roosevelt Highway.<\/p>\n
Residents cheered as they watched the building come down, knowing it symbolized a fresh start.<\/p>\n
Rundown properties like this have made neighborhoods feel neglected and unsafe for years.<\/p>\n
And this new program is about turning that around and bringing life back to these areas.<\/p>\n
Mayor Williams shared his vision for the program: “This is our number one goal\u2014to reclaim and transform this area.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n
The city can create inviting and safe spaces by clearing out old, blighted properties.<\/p>\n
When neighborhoods are free from rundown buildings, they become more welcoming to families and businesses, and property values can rise.<\/p>\n
Longtime resident Marilyn McCain, who has called Union City home for over 40 years, was there to see the demolition.<\/p>\n
She was happy about the program, saying, \u201cI am excited that our city is moving forward with getting rid of the blight that has held us back<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Marilyn and many others, seeing the city take action is a sign of positive change.<\/p>\n
The Change Starts Here<\/i> program is a call for everyone to get involved.<\/p>\n
Mayor Williams and his team understand that real change happens when the community works together.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re encouraging residents and businesses to play a part in cleaning up and maintaining their properties.<\/p>\n
The mayor explained how rundown properties can impact everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you think about your property value or your property values, blight can bring down your neighbor’s property because your neighbor is not taking care of their property,<\/i>\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Through the program, the city aims to work closely with property owners to keep areas clean and safe, making a difference everyone can feel.<\/p>\n
Marilyn McCain shares this hope, saying that when people feel proud and safe in their neighborhoods, they are more likely to take care of their surroundings.<\/p>\n
The city wants this program to be a fresh start for Union City, where people take pride in their neighborhoods, work together, and see positive changes unfold.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest moves in the Change Starts Here<\/i> program is the city\u2019s choice to first address its blighted properties.<\/p>\n
By doing this, Union City is showing that it\u2019s committed to leading by example.<\/p>\n
The house demolished on Roosevelt Highway was actually city-owned, proving that they\u2019re serious about this cleanup.<\/p>\n
When the city cleans up its properties, it sends a clear message: it is not only asking residents to do their part but also doing it.<\/p>\n
Marilyn McCain appreciated seeing the city take charge, saying, \u201cIt’s good to see the city take charge and lead the way, and then the residents feel a lot more confident in the journey that we’re on,<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n
By taking responsibility for its own properties, the city is building trust with the community and inspiring others to do the same.<\/p>\n