STABILIZING PROPERTY VALUES WITH BEP – Message From The Mayor

Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann recently visited Fort Wayne and joined me to provide an update on the Indiana Hardest Hit Blight Elimination Program (BEP).

The City of Fort Wayne is a participant in the program and has been awarded over $7 million to help stabilize neighborhoods by demolishing and redeveloping more than 300 abandoned homes.

Demolition work has started on several properties throughout the City and neighborhood associations are helping us determine what happens with the properties after they are taken down. Some will be turned into green space. Others will be available for development of new homes or a mixture of residential and commercial space.

The funding allows the City’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services and Neighborhood Code Enforcement to demolish and redevelop more than three times the number of vacant homes that are normally taken down in a year. The properties are being selected because they are: 1) vacant 2) in extremely poor condition 3) can be easily acquired and 4) are on highly visible corridors (streets and roads).

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The program is voluntary. Property owners who do not want to be part of the program are not required to participate. If there are code violations, property owners will be responsible for bringing the property to code.

Administered by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), the goal of the BEP is not just to demolish abandoned homes and improve the resulting lots, but ultimately prevent avoidable foreclosures and stabilize property values.

My administration places a high priority on strengthening neighborhoods, and the Blight Elimination Program is a key part of our efforts. Removing homes that are vacant and dangerous helps stabilize property values and create safe and healthy neighborhoods.

This continues to be a great opportunity to enhance the quality of life for our community. We’re building on our momentum and investing in the future.