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~OTENT!AL PROBLEM AREAS The areas ~ndicated as Potential Problem Areas are based on both the factor analysis conducted as described in Chapters VI and VII concerning Housing Stock Characteristics and Socio- Economic Conditions and an abbreviated windshield survey of the most deleterious census tracts or areas indicated by the 1970 Block Statistics to be potential housing problem areas. In the majority of cases these areas were characterized by major prob- lems of a socio-economic nature including low income, unemploy- ment, extensive use of federal assistance programs, household overcrowding, low education level, high probation rates, or similar factors. The quality of housing characteristics had not on an overall basis deteriorated to the level allowing for clear visual assessment. However, the Urban Futures calculation of residential improvement rates, dwelling unit vacancies, building permit valuations, code enforcement violations, and similar data did allow for some picture of the stability of various residential neighborhoods. The random windshield survey of such areas indi- cated substantial first indicators of housing deterioration in- cluding problems of abandoned homes, extensive for sale and for rent units, inoperative vehicles, poorly maintained yards and parkways, spot examples of extensive deterioration, graffiti and vandalism, weathered paint, spot accumulation of trash and debris, and similar early signs of a declining neighborhood. The areas indicated are rather expansive in nature due to the fact that major development of residential units in Santa Aha happened during an accelerated spurt during a brief span of time. The majority of units in the Single family category are similar in size, number of rooms, lot area, amenities, appear- ance, and valuation. There was not a significant diversification of residential type to stem or block the spread of blight and deterioration. Many of these areas would also be suitable for application of the housing programs discussed in Chapter X. The Potential Problem Areas have not reached the critical level of housing problems found in the Target Areas. Due to the extensive and deteriorating nature of these housing areas, they could prove to be the more serious and sub- stantial housing problem faced by the City of Santa Aha over the long range time period. Approximately just over 9700 dweiling units are contained within the areas designated as potential problem ar~as, over two and one-third times as many units as in the target areas. If unchecked these areas could relatively quickly turn into future target areas. In addition to the target area strategies, close attention to conservation and code enforcemen must be applied to these areas. Of course, the stemming of the physical housing blight of these areas is closely tied to the solv- ing of the socio-economic conditions detrimental to the human plight found associated with poor O00 P2