(From left) Patrick Bravo and Whitney Spencer (Photo: Chris Miller)
On June 17, about 150 volunteers and more than 15 local organizations will band together to help improve the Middlebury/University Park neighborhood behind Dave’s Supermarket (Excelsior and Roselawn avenues), including the Summit County Land Bank, which has helped speed up demolition on abandoned and blighted homes, along with helping residents acquire adjacent vacant land. Because there are so many stakeholders, we will feature them individually over the next couple of weeks. Here is a look at the Land Bank’s role in this expansive project.
Who is participating?
Patrick Bravo, Executive Director, and Whitney Spencer, Manager of Programs & Property Management
How are you involved?
The Summit County Land Bank has demolished abandoned, vacant and blighted properties in the neighborhood. The Land Bank is also targeting additional properties in the area that require demolition. After demolition is complete, the vacant lots are available for purchase. We are committed to supporting the residents as they express interest in acquiring vacant lots through our Side Lot & Vacant Land Transfer Program.
Why did you get involved with this project?
The Land Bank got involved with this project because it helps fulfill our mission of supporting neighborhood and community reinvestment and economic development through the reutilization of property, in order to reduce blight and revitalize neighborhoods and communities.
What outcomes have you seen since your organization’s involvement?
Since our involvement with this project, we have had the privilege of seeing the neighbors’ excitement as they witness the transformation of their neighborhood. Removing abandoned, vacant, blighted structures will ultimately stabilize property values and support neighborhood reinvestment.
What will your organization do during the June 17 event? Is your organization doing any work leading up to the event?
At the event on June 17, our staff will be providing support and direction during the day-of activities, while some of the activities will take place on Land Bank owned property.
What happens next? What does the future of the Roselawn/Excelsior neighborhood, the project and the community collaborations look like?
The future of the Roselawn/Excelsior neighborhood looks bright! We look forward to supporting possible future endeavors similar to this one, to continue to revitalize our neighborhoods.
