Williams County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank)
100 S. Main Street Bryan, OH 43506 (419) 636-1850 williamscountylandbank@gmail.com
Williams County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank)
100 S. Main Street Bryan, OH 43506 (419) 636-1850 williamscountylandbank@gmail.com
The Williams County Land Reutilization Corporation (WCLRC), also known as the Williams County Land Bank, was incorporated in July 2016. The quasi-governmental entity was formed to address vacant, blighted, abandoned, and tax delinquent properties throughout the County. The Land Bank can acquire properties through tax foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, private donation, purchase, and other means. The goal of the Williams County Land Bank is to improve the quality of neighborhoods, increase land values, create diverse housing opportunities, and return properties to the tax rolls.
The Land Bank Board is made up of two County Commissioners, the County Treasurer,
a municipal representative from the largest municipality, and a township representative,
according to the Ohio Revised Code §1724.03.
Board of Directors
Brian Wieland
Vickie Grimm
Todd Burkholder
Brian Davis
Lewis Hilkert
Meeting Schedule
Meetings are typically held monthly or as needed on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in the Williams County Commissioners' Office, One Courthouse Square 4th Floor Bryan, OH 43506.
Land Bank Projects: Before & After
Neighborhood Initiative Program Overview
After forming, the Land Bank applied for funds from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency through the Neighborhood Initiative Program. The Land Bank received $500,000 in reimbursable funds to acquire, demolish, green, and dispose of vacant, abandoned, and/or tax delinquent properties. Only residential properties are eligible for funding through this program, and they must also be blighted and vacant to qualify for demolition. The land bank must first acquire the property before carrying out demolition activities. Eligible properties must be located in one of the following target areas: Bryan, Montpelier, Stryker, West Unity, Madison/Mill Creek Township, and Northwest Township.
Purpose
The goal of the program is to stabilize property values by removing and greening vacant and blighted properties in target areas in an effort to prevent future foreclosures for existing homeowners – demolition is also an important part of the strategy to stabilize home values. Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. For more information, visit: http://ohiohome.org/savethedream/neighborhoodinitiative.aspx.
Target Areas
Target Areas define the locations in which acquisition and demolition of vacant properties will occur, and are part of a comprehensive strategy to stabilize property values. Pipeline properties are those properties that are already owned or in the process of being acquired through the land bank.
Eligible Properties
Eligible properties include vacant or blighted residential properties and must be located within a Target Area. 1-4 unit properties can be acquired and demolished for an amount not to exceed $25,000. Properties with 5 or more units can be acquired and demolished for an amount not to exceed $75,000. Properties can be acquired through: tax foreclosure, purchase of tax liens, forfeiture, donation, purchase, or other means.
Use of Funds
Eligible costs that are eligible for reimbursement through the program include:
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Acquisition, Title Searches, etc. – up to $5,000 per property
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Pre-demolition costs such as asbestos inspections and securing properties – reimbursed at 100% for completed demolitions
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Demolition, Clearance of Structures, Removal of Hazardous Materials – reimbursed at 100% for completed demolitions
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Greening (post-demolition) includes site restoration, as well as improvements such as fencing, signage, flowers, etc. – up to $6,000 per property
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Maintenance – up to $1,200 per property over the 3 year period ($400 annually)
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Administration – up to 10% of fully documented eligible costs
Property Disposition
Acquired lots will be maintained for up to three years. Maintenance budgets include site grading, landscaping, and mowing, etc. Greening is an alternative to maintaining a lot and can transform a vacant site into a practical and/or community use, such as watershed management, urban agriculture, or the addition of architectural elements. Lots can also be transferred to other users:
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Adjacent Property Owners – Residential Side Lot Programs
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Local Government/Non-Profit Organizations – Public Use
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Private Entity – Business or Residential Development