CINCINNATI -- Jeffrey Ison has seen Avondale change over the years.
Ison, a 30-year resident, says the changes haven’t been for the better.
"A lot of violence came in here," Ison said.
The City of Cincinnati vowed on Thursday to help revitalize one of its biggest neighborhoods through its Neighborhood Enhancement Program.
Demolition crews tore down an abandoned building; crews will continue to demolish abandoned buildings throughout the neighborhood.
Ison watched as the building came down.
"Kids run around now and just throw rocks at the windows, bust the windows, and you have glass and everything all over there,” Ison said.
Chief Eliot Isaac said the city has towed over 100 abandoned vehicles in Avondale over the past few weeks.
One of the goals of the Neighborhood Enhancement Program is to reduce violence by targeting specific streets that attract crime.
Isaac said “preliminary work has been extremely strong." There was a shooting in Avondale Wednesday night, but that was the first of 2018.
City leaders say they’ll also build playgrounds, businesses and gardens in addition to demolishing buildings and towing cars.
"If we live in Avondale, we should want our community to look a lot better,” Ison said.
