LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Allen County Land Bank is continuing its efforts to remove blighted properties and revitalize neighborhoods across the county while exploring the possibility of expanding into residential construction.
Since its inception, the land bank has demolished 296 structures throughout Allen County. Officials say 10 additional properties are currently awaiting demolition, while seven more remain in a holding pattern before they can be torn down.
One of the next properties scheduled for demolition is a house located at 1107 Sherman Street near North Cole Street. The structure is expected to be demolished next week after American Township requested assistance from the land bank. Officials say the building has deteriorated to the point that demolition crews cannot safely enter it.
"That property is a hot demo, which means there's asbestos in the property, but it's unsafe to go in and remove it. So we'll be working under EPA guidelines and it's considered a hot demo, meaning that all of our containers will be lined and there'll be special protocols when tearing that building down and removing it from site," said Allen County Auditor and Land Bank Administrator Rachael Gilroy.
While demolition remains a primary focus, the land bank is also considering expanding its role beyond property deconstruction and into new construction.
Gilroy said properties such as 811 South Pears Avenue could serve as suitable locations for new single-family homes. She noted that her dual role as county auditor and land bank administrator provides a unique opportunity to identify housing needs and help move properties toward redevelopment.
"As the auditor, I can see that we need single-family housing within the city of Lima. That's not a surprise. Within the land bank, we're looking ahead at these properties that we're acquiring. We don't want to be owners of property. That's not our goal. It's to return it to the neighborhood and to help develop our communities and revitalize them. And this is one way if the land bank looks at building single family homes that we can do that," Gilroy said.
The concept of constructing single-family homes on land bank-owned properties remains in its early stages, and no formal decision has been made. However, Gilroy said the land bank has a busy summer ahead as crews continue working through a full schedule of demolition projects aimed at improving neighborhoods throughout Allen County.
