The following is an excerpt: In the wake of the national foreclosure crisis, Oakland County treasurer Andy Meisner says metro Detroit's real estate situation is a "problem statement" that could be solved by the unique entity known as a land bank. "You have blight," Meisner says. "You...
The following is an excerpt: Detroit —The Detroit City Council on Tuesday approved the transfer of about 10,000 parcels of vacant city land to the Detroit Land Bank to be used for residents to purchase lots next to theirs for $100. The council had earlier rejected a...
The following is an excerpt: Detroit — Michigan is splitting $75 million in federal funding between 12 cities, including nearly $50 million for Detroit, in its latest battle to reduce blight in the state, the governor's office announced Tuesday. The federal aid has been a key part...
The following is an excerpt: GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Since 2004, the Genesee County Land Bank has taken control of thousands of abandoned, uninhabitable homes and buildings in and around Flint, and it's plain to see the city has benefited. Homes that could be snatched up...
The following is an excerpt: FLINT, MI -- One of America's first subdivisions is about to get a $2.6 million makeover, something that can't come soon enough for the Rev. R. Sherman McCathern. "We've just seen a community that had been written off come back," McCathern said...
The following is an excerpt: DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The Motor City is taking drastic measures to clean up nearly 80,000 vacant properties in its 139-square miles. Mayor Mike Duggan announced Wednesday that the city will begin posting legal notices on empty houses and take court action if needed against owners...
The following is an excerpt: The Genesee Land Bank owns a lot of property in Flint and the rest of the county. Many of those are houses and other buildings that are vacant, and they have yards. The grass and weeds keep growing, and mowing is...
The following is an excerpt: It takes time for a property to decline into blight. Once it reaches that state it rarely emerges quickly. And that’s especially true if the restoration involves cleaning up toxic chemicals. But with money and a plan, it can happen, as shown by...
The following is an excerpt: GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The state court of appeals has upheld the Kent County Land Bank Authority’s practice of bypassing a county-run auction to sell abandoned property on the open market. The ruling affirms Kent County Circuit Judge George Buth’s decisions to...