Augusta Land Bank proposes new program to fight blight (Bethlehem: leasing, neighborhoods)

[Airforceguy]

I hope this works out...

Chris Johnson, chair of the city's land bank, says, "The city is always looking for a way to make improvements in our neighborhoods."

The proposed program is called Beautify to Build. With six hundred properties on hand, the land bank will take the lead, leasing out properties to citizens and non-profit organizations to care for with the end goal of selling the land to a tax-paying stakeholder. "It is a benefit to the private organization or the civic group because they're helping to beautify the community," said Johnson.

As for the city, Johnson said, "It would reduce the cost that it takes to maintain blighted property."

Take Twiggs Circle for example. Just a few years ago, the Laney Walker-Bethlehem neighborhood was riddled with blight. Housing and Development decided to team up with the Land Bank to acquire the abandoned and tax-delinquent properties. Now, the area is a revitalized hub that serves as a gateway into downtown Augusta.

Johnson wants to take that same concept into the private sector. "Whether they're civic organizations, fraternal organizations, churches, private citizens who may not be interested in purchasing a piece of property, but they may be interested in maintaining the property."

Augusta Land Bank proposes new program to fight blight - WFXG FOX 54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier