Thursday, October 1, 2015
Contact: Jen Flood, Byrum & Fisk Communications, (517) 333-1606
ALBION—The Calhoun County Treasurer and Calhoun County Land Bank Authority, in partnership with the City of Albion and Emmett Charter Township, have started working to improve local neighborhoods by demolishing blighted residential buildings. Demolition began this week on 12 buildings in Albion and two in Emmett Charter Township, with 19 more scheduled through the end of 2015.
“Eliminating blight remains one of our top priorities to improve local neighborhoods, promote public safety and protect home values,” said Christine Schauer, Calhoun County Treasurer. “Working with the City of Albion and Emmett Charter Township, we are targeting blighted buildings that will make the biggest impact in local neighborhoods.”
Calhoun County and the County Land Bank received a $353,650 grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to do the demolition, and were required to commit to a 25 percent local match. The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority, Calhoun County Treasurer, City of Albion and Emmett Charter Township all contributed funds towards the required match.
“Through this partnership, the City of Albion is committed to revitalizing neighborhoods and strengthening our community by tackling blight head-on,” said Sheryl L. Mitchell, Albion City Manager. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Treasurer and County Land Bank to demolish additional blighted structures in the weeks and months ahead.”
The Calhoun County Land Bank works with public, private and nonprofit partners to promote neighborhood stabilization and redevelopment.
“This collaborative approach between local entities helped us address blight in two communities by leveraging local resources,” said Krista Trout-Edwards, executive director of the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority. “Knocking down these abandoned houses prevents vandalism and thwarts criminal activity and is just one part of our larger effort to redevelop and stabilize neighborhoods across Calhoun County.”