Henry County Targets Blighted Properties in Major Demolition Push, Starting with Greyson Street Eyesore
- BTW21
- 1 day ago
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Sourced by Cardinal News https://cardinalnews.org/2025/07/10/henry-county-to-demolish-dozens-of-blighted-properties/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
COLLINSVILLE, Va. (BTW21) — An overgrown and long-abandoned house on Greyson Street in Henry County’s Collinsville District is finally set to come down, along with nearly 40 other blighted structures scattered across the county.
The vacant Greyson Street property, a neighborhood outlier amid a row of well-kept homes, has become a point of frustration for nearby residents. “It’s about time,” said Aesha Mitchell, who lives next door. “All these other houses in the neighborhood look nice, so why can’t this one?”
Mitchell and her family recently moved into the community and were drawn by the neighborhood’s charm—aside from the neglected structure just feet away.
Her sentiment reflects growing community concerns that have spurred county officials into action.
39 Blighted Structures to Be Demolished
At a meeting held June 5, the Henry County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to move forward with demolishing 39 properties deemed unsafe under Section 106 of the Virginia Administrative Code, which allows local governments to secure or raze dangerous structures.
“We’ve heard loud and clear from our citizens that blighted and unkept properties are a concern,” said Board Chair Jim Adams. “This action shows that we’re not just listening but doing the legwork to respond.”
Officials say this renewed focus stems from public feedback received during the county’s comprehensive planning process, where 69% of respondents disagreed with the statement: “Properties in the county are well maintained.”
Demolition Project Costs and Distribution
The countywide demolition project is expected to cost $390,000, which will be funded through county reserves. The 39 properties are distributed across all six of Henry County’s magisterial districts:
Collinsville District: 17 properties, $117,000
Horsepasture District: 8 properties, $67,000
Blackberry District: 5 properties, $51,000
Iriswood District: 3 properties, $36,000
Ridgeway District: 3 properties, $46,000
Remaining districts: 3 properties (breakdown not specified)
Additionally, nine other properties, while not yet scheduled for demolition, are under code enforcement review.
Property owners will be required to take action or risk having their buildings added to the demolition list.
The Collinsville District—which has the highest number of demolitions—is also home to a new vision for revitalization.
On the site of several previously blighted homes at Stultz Road and Dexter Street, the county has launched the Villa Heights rehabilitation project.
Plans for 13 new affordable housing units are underway, with each unit estimated to cost around $200,000—to be sold at cost, ensuring affordability for local families.
While construction is expected to begin soon, officials say it’s still too early to set a completion date.