In the coming months, the city of Richmond anticipates that the 138 properties targeted by its Blight Elimination Program will be demolished.
City Planner Sarah Mitchell said 107 already have come down. The 100th property, at 903 Sheridan St., was razed in March.
The city is receiving more than $3.34 million in U.S. Treasury Department funds through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority for the Blight Elimination Program.
Money for the state's blight elimination program comes from Indiana’s Hardest Hit Fund. The goal of the state program, according to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority webpage, is not simply to demolish abandoned homes, but to stabilize property values in Indiana communities and offer a variety of end uses for the newly cleared properties, including green space and redevelopment.
The blight elimination grant provides $15,000 per home, or $25,000 per home with a basement. If costs come in below budget, leftover money can be used toward additional demolitions.
In many cases, the city's program has paid $6,000 or less for a house and $10,000 or less for a house with a basement, providing plenty of savings. By grouping properties in geographical clumps, contractors save money in moving its equipment a block or two rather than across town. Contractors also are being given half-off on landfill fees.
Mitchell expects the savings generated to be used to to eliminate other blighted properties, with state approval. She said the city has a waiting list of available properties.