The Ross County Land Bank met with the Ross County Commissioners Monday, and report that they are busier than ever. Kevin Coleman was there.
Asti Powell is the director of the Land Bank. She says they have gotten a grant to clean up brownfield sites including an abandoned gas station in Clarksburg, but they continue with a grant to demolish and green up blighted properties in Chillicothe.
Powell says when some owners get an order to demolish, they elect to sell, and if there is any hope in the building, private buyers renovate them. She said this is preferable to demolition, especially in the light of the tight housing market.
She reported that Habitat for Humanity is building on one lot donated by the Land Bank, and wants to get two more.
And in the meeting, First Capital Realty offered to help sell greened lots, and Seeds of Hope wants to work out a way they can expand their women's shelter program.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom or Kevin Coleman