Sacramento Police Captain Dan Schiele told council members that crime is plunging in the once troubled South Sacramento neighborhood. 

"We’re really starting to reap the benefits of the reduced crime as that property becomes a true community and starts policing itself."

Six years ago the city used its power of eminent domain to buy out landlords and rebuild. The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency led the project and adopted a strict tenant screening process. Councilwoman Bonnie Pannell says it’s a success but the work isn’t over. 

"It’s a safe community. We still have challenges, matter of fact we still have one of the slum lords that are still in there so we need to be very mindful and continue doing what we are doing today." 

The $84 million project is paid for with both public and private funds.