Highland County allocated $292,931 as part of Moving Ohio Forward program

A number of Highland County properties deemed as "blighted and abandoned" could be demolished by the end of next year, as part of the Moving Ohio Forward Demolition Grant Program.

Highland County has been allocated $292,931 for the program.

Highland County Community Action Organization Executive Director Julia Wise discussed the program with the Highland County Board of Commissioners at their May 30 meeting.

According to the commissioners, "Blighted properties that have been unoccupied for 90 days are considered as being vacant and can then be demolished."

According to Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, the Moving Ohio Forward Demolition Grant Program comes from a state and federal settlement with the nation’s five largest mortgage services — Bank of America Corporation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Wells Fargo & Company, Citigroup, Inc., and Ally Financial, Inc. (formerly GMAC) — regarding unacceptable mortgage practices.

The first round of the application process closed June 30, 2012.

The program is designed to "assist communities in their economic recovery by removing blighted or abandoned structures to reclaim our neighborhoods," DeWine said.

DeWine believes this is the first step in the housing recovery and is unique in devoting substantial resources to a demolition program.

A total of $75 million has been allocated among all of Ohio’s counties to achieve the maximum number of demolitions of blighted or abandoned residential structures.

The program does not require a local match for up to the first $500,000 allocated to each county.

The allocation formula was based on the percentage of foreclosures filed in each county between 2008-11. Lead entities must apply and be approved in accordance with the established eligibility criteria before funds will be obligated.

Funds will remain dedicated to a county until Dec. 31, 2013. The funds may be re-allocated if no application is submitted or if funds remain unspent on eligible reimbursement/disbursement projects.

The allocation for Highland and surrounding counties is as follows:

• Highland County – $292,931;
• Adams County – $121,607;
• Brown County – $328,464;
• Clinton County – $288,752;
• Pike County – $101,266; and,
• Ross County – $384,442.

For more information, go to www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov.