Repair work has begun on a series of controversial, condemned vacant properties owned by a local church in the Shaw neighborhood.

The string of properties owned by Shiloh Baptist Church on 9th St. NW, which have been a source of tension in Shaw due to their decrepit conditions for decades, were condemned in mid-May, with an order from the city to complete a list of repairs or face a lien against the properties. For many weeks, no visible work had begun, and neighborhood blogs (including this one) expressed frustration that the church seemed to be making the same promises it has been making for 40 years, but still not delivering.

Shiloh church administrator Charles Randolph confirmed that the mandated repair work has now begun, at the expense of the church, without involvement from the city. “It should be done in a couple of weeks,” he said.

More photos after the jump.