Looking for ideas on organizations, individuals, etc. across Ohio that might want to be part of a new initiative in formulating a preservation-based response and action plan on the issue of mass demolitions of vacant and abandoned properties. Do you know of any local organizations and/or people who have been working to gain a seat at the table when local government makes decisions about where and how those monies will be spent -- either in reference to a single neighborhood or an entire city?

 

We're needing people that might have experience and ideas to share at an upcoming summit meeting in Columbus.

 

Please feel free to send me direct messages with questions, etc..

 

Thanks!

 

Thomas/Preservation Ohio

Definitely SLPA, Save Lower Prospect Avenue in Cleveland which was formed over the Columbia building fiasco and is now spreading out to many other issues, including opening a dialogue between residents and the city, particularly city council and the Landmarks Commission to stop senseless demolitions. I will PM you.

 

EDIT: I will PM you when you empty your inbox.

Well certainly the existing preservation organizations should be utilized in helping to guide this painful process in the most sensible way. 

 

As Zimzolla mentions, The Cleveland Landmarks Commission needs to be utilized in the Cleveland area, but it would also be smart to invite a representative from the regional National Trust Office for additional guidance.     

 

It would be good to think that a strong planning department would be capable of coming up with a plan, but I have little faith there, so I think SLPA is needed for oversight and to demand accountability. 

 

   

Knox Hill Neighborhood Association in Cincinnati has been agressively fighting to save historic structures. There was no section 106 review taking place when CDBG or NSP funds were being used. We filed a complaint with HUD and the net result of that was they came up with a process, 'allbeit a sham", but they are re-reviewing every property (thousands) on the city list which has bought time and some are being saved.

 

We are now trying to push for CDBG fund to be used for stabilization/repair rather than demo.

 

Our group has a Save not Raze program and we are talking ithe owners of these properties and trying to get them to agree to sell them or in some cases donate them. In the small scale of our neighborhood it is beginning to work and I think it can be duplicated.

 

Our most recent sucess is the acquisition of the C. Winkler house which is being stabilized and will be resold with protective covenants to a preservation minded buyer who will complete the interior restoration.

http://victorianantiquitiesanddesign.blogspot.com/2012/02/knox-hill-neighborhood-association-to.html

 

We hope to have revolving acquistion fund in place after that to acquire and stabilize more properties. This is loosely patterned after Indiana Landmarks FLIP program.

 

Ultimately the real issue is does demolition  (blight abatement) help or hurt surrounding properties. Agressive demo by the City of Cincinnati has depressed property values along with their VBML  (Vacant Building Maintenance License) program.

 

These policies have effectively 'redlined' our neighborhood. Ultimately I think a federal court complaint may be necessary but at the moment we have demos slowed down at least in our area because they are afraid of lawsuits. Thanks to preservationist who can afford to self finance their restorations our area is coming back. If we can get banks back on board we may turn a corner soon.

 

http://sites.google.com/site/knoxhillneighborhoodassoc/

 

Happy to share what we are doing with anyone wanting to duplicate our efforts.

 

 

 

 

I really appreciate the responses.

 

Here's the scoop -- we (Preservation Ohio) are working with the Columbus Landmarks Foundation (the local preservation organization there) to host a summit meeting on the topic in May. The event will be in Columbus. The primary focus will be to compare notes and to analyze a possible preservation-based approach and reaction to the massive demolitions -- primarily residential -- occurring in many Ohio cities, as well as the challenges presented by abandoned and vacant properties.

 

Knox Hill is already on the list I sent to Columbus to receive an invitation.

 

I will do my best to empty my inbox, but in the meantime, please feel free to e-mail directly at: [email protected].

 

On a side note, I am speaking in Mansfield tomorrow morning at the Property Conference there, on the very same topic. I will be sharing insights on the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit and the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit. Should have some coverage and photos up on our Facebook Page over the weekend (facebook.com/preservationohio).

 

Thomas/presohio