Blight removal and reconstruction

The lessons of the Nehemiah experience in New York have led IAF affiliates to push for the large-scale removal of blight and reconstruction of intensely devastated sections of Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington. IAF pressure led to the passage of a $295 million blight removal bond issue in Philadelphia and a $100 million dollar bond issue in Washington. A similar anti-blight bond issue is now being considered in Baltimore. The systematic removal of blight, preparation of large sites, and reduction of bureaucratic obstacles is seen by IAF affiliates as the only way to attract major development of all kinds back to the shrinking cities of the northeast and Midwest and to combat suburban sprawl in an effective and practical manner.