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       September 2023                                                       Volume 2, Issue 4

  In this Issue:

• Conservatorship of Vacant/Abandoned Properties
• Recently Approved Sales
• New Construction Highlight
• Landbank Rehab Highlight
• Community Outreach

Conservatorship of Vacant/Abandoned Properties

Vacant and abandoned properties are a concern for the Louisville community. The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is implementing a Conservatorship program for vacant and abandoned properties with the goal of rehabilitating the properties to prevent demolition and improve neighborhood conditions. Conservatorship is an allowable tool under KRS 99.780 – 99.855.

To implement the program, OHCD is looking for qualified organizations to create a pool of qualified Conservators. Organizations on the approved Conservator list will have the opportunity to indicate their interest in specific Conservatorship cases LMG plans to file with the court and then be recommended to the Court to act as a Conservator on that case.

Under the direction of the court, the Conservator will rehabilitate/restore the Blighted Property and request approval from the court to sell it when completed. The Conservator may charge a fee of 15% of the after-renovation sale value or 20% of the cost of the rehabilitation. All costs of the project will be the responsibility of the Conservator.

To apply or for more information, please visit the Bonfire Procurement Portal at the following link https://louisvilleky.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities.

Recently Approved Sales

To view all approved sales at the September 11 Landbank Authority meeting, please click here

Vacant Lot Sales

The My New Side Yard program is for owner-occupants who live next door to a Landbank-owned vacant lot. allowing them to purchase it for $1.

The Lot on My Block program is for owner-occupants and long-term renters on the same block as a Landbank-owned lot. 

The Build Back Our Blocks program is for buyers that want to purchase a Landbank-owned lot that have detailed plans for development.

The board approved 6 sales under these programs this month, including one for the property pictured above at 654 Davies Ave.

Last Look Structures

The Save Our Structures program buyers must have proof of funds for renovation.

The Demo for Deed program buyers must have proof of funds for demolition. 

Properties under both programs may be purchased for $1. 

The board approved 1 sale under these programs at 3432 Grand Ave.

New Construction Highlight

Bennu Rowan, LLC acquired the Landbank property located at 201 N. 26th St. They are building a 2-bedroom 1-bathroom home with plans to complete construction within the next 6-8 months. Bennu Rowan, LLC has provided affordable and attainable housing for over 60 individuals, while also partnering with other local organizations in the rehabilitation of 60 properties benefiting owner-occupants. 

Landbank Rehab Highlight

Hatzlichunu LLC purchased 4004 Grand Ave. in 2020 through the Landbank's Save Our Structures sales program. The single-family residence was rehabbed and sold in late 2022 for $82,000. 

If you're interested in acquiring and renovating a Landbank property, visit the link below.

Community Outreach

The Office of Housing & Community Development and the Landbank Authority are continually seeking ways to keep the community informed about upcoming property sales, programs, services, etc. If you are a member of a group, church, or community organization that would like to have someone speak at a meeting, please reach out to the Office of Housing & Community Development at the contact information listed at the bottom of this newsletter.

Next Landbank Meeting

Next month's meeting will be October 9 at 3:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Old Jail Building, at 514 W. Liberty St.

Did you know?

Louisville Tool Library (LTL) is a volunteer-run, community-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit lending system dedicated to accessibility of resources, waste reduction, and growth through education. Operating similarly to a traditional book-filled library, members are able to borrow a wide variety of household items on a 7 day lending cycle. Annual membership works on a sliding scale donation and your contributions - tools or otherwise - are all tax deductible. Visit https://www.louisvilletoollibrary.com/ for more information.

Subscribe | Contact us
Office of Housing & Community Development
444 S. 5th St., Suite 500
Louisville, KY 40202
502.574.4200
vapstat@louisvilleky.gov
www.louisvilleky.gov/vacant