I think the surrounding areas around NC State have really gone downhill in the past few years. When I moved to Brooks Ave 8 years ago many of the homes were not rentals or at least they were maintained rental properties.
Many of the homes have as many as 8 cars parked all over the front yards, the leftovers from the parties, red cups, beer bottles and cans are strewn all over the yards and sidewalks and the landscaping is overgrown.
I had hoped that with the program of having the rental properties registered that they would be monitored better by the city but it doesn't appear to be the case. I would think that the Univserity would also be more vested in keeping the surrounding areas neat and well maintained.
I am not sure what steps need to be taken to start action to clean up these rental homes that are left in disrepair and trashed with litter but I would certainly volunteer some time to help erradicate some of the problem areas.
Anyone have any ideas?

We've had a Housing and Environmental inspector take a look and they have found nothing that constitutes a violation of the City's ordinances at this time.