By 1808Delaware
The Delaware County Land Bank held a productive meeting on Monday, marking significant achievements and setting the stage for future initiatives. The meeting was notable for the presentation of a prestigious award, updates on ongoing projects, and discussions on new opportunities to revitalize local properties.
State Auditor Recognizes Delaware County Land Bank
In a moment of pride for the board, Scott Brown, Central Ohio liaison for the Ohio State Auditor’s office, presented the Delaware County Land Bank with the State Auditor’s Award for its exemplary 2023 financial audit. This award is reserved for a select group of entities across the state—only 10% of the nearly 4,200 audited annually qualify. The award acknowledges the Land Bank’s commitment to financial accuracy and transparency, an achievement credited to the diligent work of the staff, particularly Treasurer Gary Merrell.
“This award represents the hard work of everyone involved with the Delaware County Land Bank,” said Brown. “It’s a testament to the dedication of the board and staff in managing and safeguarding the county’s resources.”
Grant Program Updates: Progress and Challenges
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the status of various Brownfield and demolition grants. The Land Bank recently partnered with CC, a full-service engineering and environmental firm based in Worthington, Ohio, to manage these complex projects. Brent, a principal with CC, introduced the firm and provided an update on the progress of several ongoing initiatives.
One key discussion centered on the reallocation of surplus funds from a 2022 demolition grant. The Land Bank has $73,000 in unspent funds, which they are considering applying to new projects under the 2024 grant program. However, delays at the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) have slowed the approval process, leaving some projects in limbo.
Despite these challenges, the Land Bank is moving forward with projects such as the Brownfield remediation at the Dublin Road property, which is ready to begin following the recent signing of a grant agreement. Other projects, including those at Ohio Wesleyan University and in Powell, are also in various stages of progress.
Potential New Initiatives: A County-Funded Demolition Program
Looking ahead, the board discussed the possibility of creating a Delaware County-funded demolition grant program. This initiative, proposed by Commissioner Jeff Benton, would use existing Land Bank funds to support local demolition projects, particularly those that might not qualify for state funding. The program would mirror the state’s demolition grant guidelines, providing a streamlined process for local governments to apply for assistance.
“This is about putting our resources to work in the community,” said Benton. “If we can remove blighted properties and help revitalize neighborhoods, it’s a win for everyone.”
The board decided to hold off on finalizing the program until they receive further clarity from ODOD regarding the allocation of remaining state funds.
Addressing Abandoned Properties
The Land Bank also addressed the issue of abandoned properties, specifically a house on Henderson Drive that has been vacant since the owner passed away in 2017. With no heirs or estate to claim the property, it has fallen into disrepair, accumulating over $10,000 in back taxes. The board is considering initiating a tax foreclosure to resolve the issue, potentially bringing the property back to productive use.
“This is a perfect example of how the Land Bank can step in and address problem properties,” said Benton. “By initiating foreclosure, we can ensure this property doesn’t continue to deteriorate and negatively impact the neighborhood.”
Looking Forward
The Delaware County Land Bank continues to play a crucial role in the county’s efforts to manage and repurpose properties, turning blighted areas into opportunities for growth and revitalization. With state recognition under its belt and new initiatives on the horizon, the Land Bank is poised to make significant strides in the months ahead.
For more information on the Delaware County Land Bank and its upcoming projects, visit their website or contact the board directly.
Image by Garik Barseghyan from Pixabay
