By Joe Morris

I was very heartened to attend the press conference recently with Gov. Pat McCrory and Secretary of Cultural Resources Susan Kluttz, who are working to promote the restoration of the state historic preservation tax credits in North Carolina. It is good for everyone when people of varied political persuasions agree on a public policy that has a proven record of success. I hope the NC General Assembly will recognize the value the tax program has provided North Carolina communities. Neighborhood revitalization, private investment in commercial redevelopment, protection of historic resources and, most importantly, the jobs created in association with the craftsmen and skilled trades necessary to restore older buildings are benefits of the program.

The historic preservation tax credits have been good for North Carolina and Salisbury. Tremendous progress has been made in stabilizing the downtown, the West Square, Fulton Heights and other areas. I am certain, however, that residents of these neighborhoods would be quick to say that there is much, much more to be done.

Despite the best efforts of historic preservationists, private investors and neighborhood activists, the older Salisbury residential areas, just outside the historic districts, are experiencing a rapid decline. Because of the widespread collapse of the housing market in 2008, a number of general residential neighborhoods experienced a significant increase in mortgage foreclosures and, subsequently, a decline in housing value. The results are a distressed housing market and the sale of properties for pennies on the dollar. And while there has been recent improvement in the housing market, substantial damage has accrued in many neighborhoods.

As “bargain buyers” have purchased distressed properties, many formerly owner-occupied residential properties have been converted to rental housing. Others have been purchased by, or leased to, occupants who pursue home occupations and commercial endeavors. The results are not good for neighborhood stability. Traditionally, Salisbury has vigilantly protected commercial intrusion in residential areas. Changes in land use associated with certain home occupations, especially those with commercial equipment and unsightly outdoor storage, stand to weaken, if not destroy, our older neighborhoods.

In recent years, our city leadership has been confronted by enormously important issues. The logistics of running a fiber optic network, the complications of administrative turnover and the state’s elimination of revenue from business licenses has presented our city government with significant challenges. At this moment, sabers are rattling in the NC General Assembly with talk of a new formula of sales tax re-distribution — transferring revenues generated in cities to rural areas. This proposal ignores the complex challenges of urban communities and stands to diminish the economic vitality of cities. Predictably, negative and unintended consequences will be in store for our state.

Now, more than ever, cities and towns, including Salisbury, need to be extraordinarily protective of all neighborhoods, the condition of housing and property values. After all, it is property tax that supports the majority of community services we receive as residents and taxpayers.

In the coming weeks, our city leaders will be considering an annual budget for the next fiscal year. As citizens, it is our duty to support the priorities of our community. Housing and neighborhoods need to be at the top of the list. For that reason, I, personally, hope there will be consideration given for adequately resourcing city code enforcement, including more staff and clerical support. Also, we need to be working to strengthen housing codes, more effective nuisance abatement processes and neighborhood-friendly zoning regulations.

“Prosperity” is a term that has a variety of definitions. For many in our community, it is a totally elusive ideal. I cannot think of a better way to approach our aspirations for our community than through adequate housing and safe neighborhoods. Allowing formerly stable neighborhoods to decline, through inaction or indifference, will not achieve the results we desire.

Joe Morris is development director for the LandTrust of Central North Carolina and formerly served as planning director for the city of Salisbury.

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