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IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII <br /> TOWN OF WALKERTON <br /> 301 Michigan St. . <br /> • <br /> Walkerton, Indiana 46574 <br /> (574 )586-3711 Office Economic Director (574 )586-2248 Fax <br /> Filed in Clerk's Office <br /> Mar 20, 2026 <br /> Bianca Tirado <br /> City Clerk. South Bend, IN <br /> Dear Mr. 'Turnwald. <br /> On behalf of the Town of Walkerton, I would like to express our strong support for the establishment of a <br /> regional land bank serving St. Joseph, Elkhart. and Marshall counties. <br /> Communities across our region continue to face challenges related to vacant, abandoned. and deteriorated <br /> properties—particularly those that fail to sell through the tax sale process. Without an effective off-ramp. these <br /> parcels often remain trapped in a cycle of decline, creating safety concerns, depressing surrounding property <br /> values, and placing financial burdens on local governments. <br /> A regional land bank offers a proven, nationally recognized tool to break this cycle. By acquiring problem <br /> properties and returning them to responsible ownership, land banks help stabilize neighborhoods,encourage <br /> sustainable redevelopment, and support long-term community revitalization. According to a study <br /> commissioned by the Center for Community Progress, a single vacant property in St. Joseph County costs <br /> taxpayers at least $3,000 per year—underscoring the urgency of a coordinated solution. <br /> We are also encouraged by the availability of grant funding that provides five years of startup and operational <br /> support. This represents a rare opportunity to launch a regional land bank with the resources needed to succeed <br /> from the outset. <br /> The Town of Walkerton is committed to working collaboratively with regional partners,and we believe this <br /> initiative will deliver meaningful benefits to our residents and the broader community. <br /> Thank you for your leadership in advancing this important effort. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> ‘ k•I 4 49/74‘t/t. ----) <br /> ,2--i <br /> Phil Buckmaster <br /> Town of Walkerton <br /> www.walkerton.org <br />