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Council hears push for land bank to convert abandoned properties into deeply affordable housing; bill held for more work
Summary
Councilmembers and housing advocates backed a proposed Land Bank Authority to acquire and repurpose blighted and abandoned properties with a preference for deeply affordable housing; staff and the county executive asked for further review and the committee voted to hold the bill for additional drafting and input.
Council members and housing advocates outlined a plan for a county land bank intended to give nonprofit developers an easier path to acquire abandoned, blighted properties for affordable housing development.
A staff overview described CB65-2024 as legislation "to establish a land bank authority to acquire, manage, maintain, and repurpose blighted, abandoned, and distressed properties in Prince George's County." The sponsors said the authority would prioritize affordable—specifically "deeply affordable"—housing and would be structured to avoid competing with the existing redevelopment authority.
Sponsor remarks stressed practical local use. The sponsor said the proposal would create a vehicle to get abandoned properties into the hands of nonprofit developers and community partners: "This is a vehicle that will put abandoned properties in a in a place that they can use it for affordable housing." Habitat for Humanity also urged support. Ron Spohr, vice president of construction for Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, told the committee, "establishing a land bank can help streamline the process for nonprofits and community developers to access and acquire abandoned properties, protect neighborhoods and reduce blight."
The Prince George's County NAACP branch likewise urged limits on scope and board composition. Shawnice Bamiro, an at-large executive committee member of the county NAACP, said the authority should "focus on equity and ensure that vacant, abandoned, and tax delinquent properties are redeveloped to serve those most impacted by the housing crisis."
Office of Law said it was still reviewing the draft and the County Executive's Office requested additional time to coordinate implementation. After public testimony and discussion, the committee voted to hold the bill for further work and input; the motion to hold carried without opposition.
