Wright State students survey parcel to parcel in Dayton

Walking through a Dayton neighborhood on a sunny day this summer, Philip Ferrari and Devin Bolden were giving back to the community they love while enhancing their research and leadership skills.

They were part of a team of 17 Wright State University students who conducted a Dayton property survey, in a partnership with the university, the City of Dayton and the Thriving Communities Institute.

Using mobile devices, students took photos and visually assessed occupancy, condition and use of approximately 75,000 parcels in Dayton. The research will allow city planners to address blight, vacancy and other concerns that city officials and residents have identified.