Another 15 to 20 properties are scheduled to be demolished by the Land Bank during July and August, according to Ethan Harris, Assistant Executive Director for the Land Bank.
Before the excavator took its first bite, the house was covered with overgrown greenery and all of the windows had either been broken or boarded up.
“It’s all been a nuisance,” said neighbor Derrick Fudge. “The yards get full of trash. People feel like there ain’t anybody living there so they can throw what they want in the yard.”
After a number of factors, the Land Bank invested about $10,000-$15,000 into the property, according to Harris — but neighbors agreed it’s money well spent.
Harris said the issue of vacant properties was manageable in Springfield until the financial crisis of 2008 when the problem was compounded and got out of hand.
The Land Bank’s mission is to return blighted properties to a more productive use in seven target geographic areas. In the last three years, the program invested $1.5 million dollars in the City of Springfield and returned more than 100 tax-delinquent properties to a tax-paying status.
It’s installed new features in neighborhoods like pocket parks, flower beds, swinging benches and apple tree orchards.
IN DEPTH: Board raises concerns about proposed Springfield housing development
Fudge said he’d like to see other properties on Woodward Avenue be torn down as well.
“There are a number of things that can happen to this property now that it’s vacant,” said Springfield City Commissioner Joyce Chilton, who delivered a speech before the demolition.
Other additions are features like little libraries — small houses were kids (or adults) can take a book for free or put their own inside for others to enjoy.
One of those libraries sits right next to the latest property that was demolished. It was created through a vision by the Conscious Connect, Inc. — an organization that seeks to improve literacy by getting rid of ‘book deserts.’
RELATED: Group uses $80K grant to bring literacy to Springfield’s south side
The Conscious Connect will also take ownership of this latest property. Neighbors said they’d like to see something put in that gets kids off the street and out of trouble.
Karlos Marshall, one of Conscious Connect’s founders said they are looking at possibly installing a basketball court or Frisbee golf for people in the community.
“By the end of fall, you’ll see a complete lot here,” Harris said.
The Land Bank receives funding through the Neighborhood Initiative Program, the funds total over $2 million dollars to date.
About the Author