02-27-2013 Report to Address Vacant and Abandoned Properties in South Bend

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Summary The Report begins with introductory letters from Mayor Buttigieg and Co-Chair James Kelly. The Report is divided into four major sections and supplementary materials, graphics, and charts can be found in the appendix. The four major sections include: 1.Data-Driven Decision-Making: Assessing the problem: The Report outlines market condition classifications to better understand economic and geographic factors behind vacant and abandoned property. The areas are classified in the Report as Conservation, Stabilization, Revitalization, and Reinvestment. 2.Code Enforcement: Tackling Vacant & Abandoned Properties: The Report recommends that Code Enforcement should promptly eliminate abandoned house nuisances. This response could be as simple as a repair order to bring a home within the code requirements or a full demolition of a severely dilapidated structure. 3.Land Banks & Tax Sales: Long-term Legislative Solutions: The Report recommends the City to partner with the County to start land banking efforts and reformation of the confusing tax sale process. 4.Resources & Reuse: Planning for the future: The Report recommends that vacant and abandoned properties be put to productive, positive use in our communities. Parks, Side- lot programs, community gardens, wildflower spaces, energy generation, and housing redevelopment are some of the creative options that should be explored. A helpful reuse toolbox can be found on page 53 of the Report. Announcement and Public Participation Mayor Buttigieg and the Members of the Vacant and Abandoned Properties Task Force announced the Reports release on Wednesday morning at a press event at a home located at 902 Cottage Grove Avenue in South Bend. The home at 902 Cottage Grove serves as a good example of a home that was rehabilitated for future, productive use. The home was vacant and abandoned for nearly six years and was slated Northwest Neighborhood, Inc. (NNN) was able to acquire the property through the St. Joseph County Commissioners. The Department of Community Investment also worked with the NNN to fund the rehabilitation through the federal Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). On Wednesday evening, the Vacant and Abandoned Properties Task Force will present the Report directly to the public at the Washington High School Auditorium from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. WHS is located at 4747 W. Washington Street in South Bend.