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       January 2024                                                       Volume 3, Issue 1

  In this Issue:

• 2023 Annual Report Highlights
• Recently Approved Sales
• New Construction Highlight
• Community Outreach
• Next Landbank Meeting
• Did you know?

2023 Annual Report Highlights

Landbank Lunch and Learns

Lunch and Learn events were presented for the purpose of educating and answering questions from those interested in purchasing and rehabbing landbank properties. These sessions will continue in 2024. 

Conservatorship Informational Meeting

An informational meeting was held at OneWest offices on West Broadway about the opportunities available through the court approved conservatorship. The goal of conservatorship is to rehabilitate vacant and abandoned properties to prevent demolition and improve neighborhood conditions. 

Westport Middle School's Vacant Lots Project

Westport Middle School's 7th grade business class participated in a vacant lots project. This project was designed to introduce students to issues and opportunities surrounding vacant properties in the city. At the conclusion of the project, students gave presentations showcasing not only what they learned but also their own ideas for repurposing vacant properties.  

Open House Forums

Open house forums were held at locations in West Louisville over the summer months. Several members of the community attended for the purposes of learning more about the Louisville Landbank and how to purchase properties. 

Alberta O. Jones Park

Honoring Alberta Jones, a West Louisville trailblazer. She was one of the first Black women to pass the Kentucky Bar exam and was the first woman appointed a city attorney in Jefferson County. Phase 1 opened November 18th. This phase includes walking paths, nature playground, fitness stations, and a performance stage.

Recently Approved Sales

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 4 sales under these programs this month, including one for the property pictured above at 2211 Cleveland 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. 

No sales were presented under these programs. 

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

New Construction Highlight

Baird St. Community Garden, Inc. recently acquired 1853 Baird St. and 1846 Portland Ave. They plan to develop and operate a community garden for the citizens living in the surrounding neighborhood. Baird St. Community Garden plans to l install facilities such as a tool shed, produce stand, and bike racks; cut pathways and and create raised garden beds for gardeners; plant fruit-bearing trees and berry bushes; establish running water and rainwater collection; and host educational and community-based events on the site. Completion is slated for January 2025.

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 February 12 at 3:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Old Jail Building, at 514 W. Liberty St.

Did you know?

My Louisville Home is a comprehensive housing strategy that aims to create and preserve 15,000 affordable housing units unveiled by Mayor Craig Greenberg on Oct. 2, 2023. This strategy, the first of its kind in Louisville, outlines significant investment and policy actions by Louisville Metro Government to spur housing development across the city.  My Louisville Home will accomplish its goal by increasing the overall supply of market, workforce, and affordable housing through the implementation of multiple strategies.  For complete details, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/housing/my-louisville-home

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