Land banks: Drastically reinventing communities, even amidst funding crunches

AngelaNews, 2018

Michigan isn’t exactly a stranger to distressed and blighted properties. Many homes across the state have lain abandoned for years — some serving as decade-old reminders of the Great Recession — frustrating residents and business owners alike. These dilapidated buildings often attract crime, cause property values to plummet and dissuade … Read More

Demo Starts this Week on Marshall State Farm Building

AngelaNews, 2018

We told you last May that it was coming…..or, rather, going. Melching Inc. of Muskegon will begin demolition of the former State Farm building at 410 East Drive in Marshall this week. Demolition will continue through late August, with restoration running through September. “The former State Farm building has long … Read More

Study finds land banks boost economy all over state

AngelaNews, 2018

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Michigan Association of Land Banks revealed a study on Tuesday that shows it can boost Michigan’s economy. The study showed that through the Land Bank, job growth has increased tremendously throughout the state with construction and landscaping industries. On top of job growth land banks have brought … Read More

Land Banks Claim Generate Economic Impact

AngelaNews, 2018

Land banks can and are having a substantial economic impact in the communities they serve, according to a first-of-its-kind study released today by the Michigan Association of Land Banks (MALB). Michigan has been a pioneer in the use of land banks to rehabilitate and re-use abandoned, blighted and mainly tax-foreclosed properties, according … Read More

Study: Land Banks Provide Significant Economic Impact

AngelaNews, 2018

In its first comprehensive study on the economic impact of land banks, the Michigan Association of Land Banks said Tuesday efforts by the agencies across the state have given communities a boost in jobs and investment while promoting innovative development. The 59-page report contains three case studies of the effectiveness … Read More

In Michigan, unwanted properties could see new life with solar projects

AngelaNews, 2018

Michigan foreclosures could be ripe for solar development, officials say. Michigan officials are exploring the potential for solar energy projects on tax-forfeited properties where there is no interest from developers for other uses. A state land bank in Michigan owns more than 4,500 properties that were obtained through tax foreclosure. … Read More

Practical Preservation Workshop Start Saturday

AngelaNews, 2018

The Michigan Historic Preservation Network and Calhoun County Land Bank Authority are holding a series of upcoming workshops designed to provide residents with valuable, hands-on training repairing historic homes. The practical preservation workshops will be held this summer starting on June 9 at 26 Fremont Street in Battle Creek. The … Read More

Grant Will Raze State Farm; Other Buildings

AngelaNews, 2018

The Calhoun County Land Bank is getting a $600,000 grant from the Calhoun County Treasure’s office to tear down the State Farm building in Marshall, as well as several other county properties.  The projected demolition cost of a former State Farm building in Marshall, which has been vacant since 2006, is $700,000. The … Read More