LAFAYETTE, Ohio (WLIO) — The Allen County Land Bank is continuing its efforts to remove dilapidated and abandoned structures across the county, including a long-vacant property in Lafayette.
Officials said the home has been empty since 2017, when its owner died. Since then, the property has become overgrown and fallen into severe disrepair. After facing foreclosure, the house failed to sell at a sheriff’s auction and was ultimately transferred through the county auditor’s sale.
The new property owners later approached the land bank for guidance on how to demolish the structure and clean up the site. County leaders say the project reflects the agency’s broader mission to assist communities of all sizes.
County leaders say the project reflects the agency’s broader mission to assist communities of all sizes.
“The land bank is a county wide land bank. So throughout the process of this, we always look for opportunities away from the major city or the larger townships to assist these smaller communities to help rid some of these eyesores like this,” said Brian Winegardner, a land bank board member and county commissioner.
Funding for the demolition will come from a grant of approximately $12,000 through the Ohio Department of Development. Officials say removing the structure will improve safety and help revitalize the surrounding neighborhood.
