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The City’s 2005 Land Reutilization Program, also known as
the Landbanking Program, is an effort by the city to dispose
of “unbuildable residential parcels of real estate.” These
lots have been taken over by the city usually as abandoned
houses have been razed. Typically the lots are now too small
on which to build new residences – according to City code –
and the City’s Landbanking Program is specifically designed
for landowners in adjacent properties to acquire the land
and expand their holdings. The average cost for such lots
has been $150.
Last week, the City approved the sale of the lot at 862
Buckingham to Howard, a business owner who has the adjacent
property. Howard, a property owner and trucking contractor –
E & H Taylor Construction, will use the property for extra
parking space, at least initially.
“Bobby Howard has a great track record in our community,”
said Ashford of the entrepreneur who has about 30 trucks in
operation along with about 15 employees.
Ashford also observed that the City of Toledo incurs
enormous expense trying to maintain such properties,
particularly in providing lawn mowing services during warm
months.
The Landbanking Program allows residential citizens to
purchase adjacent sites without City Council approval.
Commercial property owners, such as Howard, can purchase
with Council approval. In the matter of Howard’s purchase,
City Council approved the sale on February 2, 2010.
Ashford praised the program, noting that it provided the
opportunity for “residential expansion and economic
development.”
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