By Morgan Montalvo
WOAI News
Residents of a near-north side neighborhood are taking a proactive approach to the gentrification and development surrounding their properties.
At Monday night's monthly neighborhood association meeting, property owners heard from the city about ordinances that require owners of vacant homes and buildings to register them as unoccupied, maintain and secure them. The attendees also discussed concerns over so-called "in-fill" development - the new construction in vacant lots.
Beacon Hill residents are concerned that not all new construction conforms to the prevailing architectural style, said Cosima Colvin,. Beacon Hill Neighborhood Association vice-president.
Colvin said about 85 percent of new construction complies with the neighborhood's historic home designs documented in area's Neighborhood Conservation District Plan.
The best ways to ensure contractor and developer compliance with plan standards - and preserve property values - Colvin said, include staying abreast of municipal ordinances and regulations, supporting the city's code enforcement efforts, and communicating with fellow residents.