Nearly $1 million in grant funds could be allocated in 2017 for demolishing run-down, vacant homes in Des Moines

Des Moines, IA: City’s blight issues with vacant and abandoned homes will receive some reprieve in 2017, as nearly $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds are to be provided for assistance.
 

In past years, about $100,000 was allocated for demolition projects for home deemed to be a public danger, which is not enough funding for addressing the hundreds of properties across the city in need of demolition.


Phil Delafield, city community development director, said, “In a good year, city officials can pool resources to tear down 10 to 15 structures,” according to an article in the Des Moines Register.


Additionally, City Council is looking for ways to better address rental homes, to keep current or new owners from just purchasing properties, but then not following through with repairs enough to move a property aware from eyesore or potential liability classification.

 

 

 

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