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Ottawa County Land Bank asks Port Clinton to nominate blighted properties for new buyout program
Summary
At the March 25 Port Clinton City Council meeting, Jodi Regal and Mollie Sass of the Ottawa County Land Bank described a pilot effort to buy up to 20 blighted or vacant properties countywide even when taxes are current, offering up to $20,000 per parcel and generally planning demolition and resale to recycle funds for further acquisitions.
Jodi Regal and Mollie Sass of the Ottawa County Land Bank told Port Clinton City Council on March 25 that the land bank has started a program to acquire blighted or vacant properties even when property taxes are current, and asked municipalities to nominate candidates.
"They are not looking to displace someone. Their intention is to demo the building(s), green up the space, and then sell the property," Regal said, explaining the land bank will set aside part of its budget and aims to acquire about 20 properties across Ottawa County this year. The land bank said offers would depend on condition and location, with a maximum offer of $20,000.
The program is intended to capture properties that are in poor condition but are not tax delinquent—often owned by absentee owners who may not be aware of deterioration. Municipalities will be asked to complete a one-page form to nominate up to two properties each; the land bank’s subcommittee will vet nominations before sending recommendations to the full land bank board for approval.
Councilmember Richard Morgan asked whether the land bank prefers rehabbing properties instead of demolishing them and whether a requirement to build could be imposed on purchasers. Regal said the land bank has completed at least one rehab in the county after finding a structure salvageable, but generally cannot force a buyer to build on a lot sold by sealed bid: the highest bidder receives the parcel.
The land bank said sale proceeds will be placed into an account to fund future purchases. No formal action by council was required at the meeting; the next step is for municipalities to work with the land bank’s one-page nomination process if they wish to participate.
