Clark County Land Bank, housing partnership turn blight into home

A run-down house in Park Layne could have been an eyesore in the community for many years, but because of the work of the Clark County Land Bank and the Neighborhood Housing Partnership, it instead is an opportunity.

Ethan Harris, Clark County Land Bank project/community engagement manager, said the house was a mess not that long ago.

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The Land Bank took time last week to celebrate the accomplishments of the Neighborhood Housing Partnership as part of a national campaign dubbed #LoveThatLot, which encourages organizations to show a “public display of affection for successful projects like the home in Park Layne.”

“When the Land Bank first came upon this house, it was in disrepair,” Harris said. “It was a blight on the community. We were able to buy the property and transfer it to the Neighborhood Housing Partnership, who remodeled it, removed all the hazards that were inside the house and completely refurbished it and they were able to find a first time home buyer.”

Jordan Sandy and his fiancee moved into the home last year. He said he saw pictures of the property before the renovations, and said the house needed major help.

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“It seen better days,” he said. “It was rough looking.”

Harris said the renovations to the home were important for everyone in the area.

“Had they not done this it would have been a sore spot in the community,” Harris said. “It would have brought down property values and by doing this, not only did we help find someone a first-time house, we also were able to save the community from having that.”

The home has three bedrooms, a nice kitchen and backyard, Sandy said, and is located in a nice place to live.

“It’s a nice suburban town,” Sandy said. “It’s working class. You can pretty much talk to anyone here.”

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