The new program, unanimously approved by the local land bank board this week, will provide $3 million over two years to local communities that commit to demolishing blight.
MORE: Demolition funds are ending, but Dayton gets a big boost at end
The program provides a critical new funding source at a time when state and federal resources have run out, and it will help cities stretch their limited dollars further to stabilize neighborhoods, Joseph said.
The city of Dayton still has about 5,000 vacant properties, and new dollars for demolition will be very valuable, said Todd Kinskey, Dayton’s director of planning and community development.
The program will devote the lion’s share of funding to larger communities in Montgomery County, but smaller communities (with less than 10,000 residents) will eligible for funds as well, officials say.
With some past state and federal demolition programs, smaller communities did not qualify to participate, said Mike Grauwelman, executive director of the Montgomery County Land Bank.
MORE: Most of Dayton demolition funds going to west side neighborhoods
The funds will be allocated based on need, he said.
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