The Ross County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $500,000 from the State Building Demolition and Revitalization fund of the Ohio Department of Development. These funds will be used to for demolition and revitalization of abandoned and blighted properties throughout Chillicothe.

The grant application requested funds for the demolition of 27 abandoned and blighted properties in Chillicothe. Additional funds were requested to demolish and green the abandoned Westerly Wastewater Treatment Plant which is located just south of Grand View Cemetery. These funds are pending approval from ODOD.

The Land Bank has worked closely with the Chillicothe Building Department to identify blighted structures in violation of code, as well as the Chillicothe Fire Department and Chillicothe Police Department for properties that experience numerous emergency calls related to trespassing, nuisance complaints, and/or criminal activity. This extra attention has led to several property owners initiating repair work to bring homes back to code.

The Land Bank is accepting proposals for the demolition of the first group of homes now and work is expected to begin later in October. Project specifications can be found by visiting www.chillicotheoh.gov or contacting Asti Powell at asti.powell@chillicotheoh.gov.

The Ross County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) works to improve the quality of neighborhoods, increase land values, create diverse housing opportunities, and return properties to the tax rolls.