Miami County Land Reutilization Corporation to get $1.7 million to demolish properties

Funds will go towards 10 revitalization projects throughout Miami County

The Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program is a relatively new program offered by the Ohio Department of Development. The program is designed to be a transformative initiative that will breathe new life into Ohio's communities by addressing the persistent issue of blighted properties. With a substantial $150 million allocation, this program aims to revitalize neighborhoods and spur economic development across the state.

For Miami County, the Ohio Department of Development recently granted over $1.7 million to demolish ten properties across the county, leading to new investment and economic opportunities across the county. Highlighting the list are two projects in Piqua. The grant will help reimburse costs in demolishing the property at 902 Scott Drive that will become home to a new hotel, an Olive Garden restaurant and a Chipotle restaurant as well. A second highlighted project will demolish the old YMCA building in downtown Piqua, now that the new facility has opened to the public. Of note, smaller projects in Bradford, Fletcher and West Milton are also targeted to be revitalized through this funding.

At its core, the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program focuses on the demolition of abandoned, vacant, or dilapidated commercial and residential buildings that have become eyesores and potential safety hazards. By targeting these structures, the program seeks to eliminate blight and create opportunities for redevelopment. Importantly, the program excludes brownfield sites, which are addressed through separate initiatives.

The funding structure of the program is designed to ensure equitable distribution across Ohio's 88 counties. Each county is guaranteed a $500,000 set-aside, providing a baseline for local revitalization efforts. This approach ensures that even smaller or rural counties have access to funds for crucial demolition projects. The remaining funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, encouraging proactive engagement from counties and municipalities.

To streamline the application process and ensure accountability, each county must designate a "Lead Entity" to serve as the primary applicant and grant recipient. In counties with established land reutilization corporations, like Miami County, these entities automatically assume the Lead Entity role.

The program's eligibility criteria are broad, encompassing a wide range of commercial and residential properties. This inclusivity allows for the targeting of various types of blighted structures, from abandoned retail spaces to derelict industrial facilities and neglected homes. By addressing diverse property types, the program really allows itself to be used throughout different parts of the state, from the more urbanized parts dealing with vacant storefronts, to more rural areas that simply may lack financial resources to take down a vacant and dilapidated home.

Collaboration is a key feature of the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program. Lead Entities are encouraged to partner with other local governments, nonprofit organizations, community development corporations, and various agencies to maximize the program's impact. This collaborative approach ensures that demolition efforts align with broader community development goals on the local level.

By addressing the critical issue of blighted properties, the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program has the potential to catalyze significant positive change, not only in Miami County, but throughout Ohio's communities. Through demolition and site preparation, the program lays the groundwork for future development, potentially attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and improving quality of life for residents.

What Do You Think?

Is there an eyesore that needs to be on the list? Is there an eyesore that no longer exists that has been revitalized? Our paid subscribers are more than welcome to leave their ideas and insights in the comment thread! Your contributions are always welcome!

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