COLUMBUS, Ohio — In an effort to "clear the way for new economic development," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday that the state would be tearing down 825 "blighted and vacant" buildings across 30 counties.
The funding for the demolitions comes from the governor's Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program, established in the latest state budget to provide millions in grants for communities that otherwise could not afford to raze the structures. Of the latest properties slated for destruction, more than half (428) are in Cuyahoga County alone, with the bulk of those located in Cleveland and East Cleveland.
"There are sites all over Ohio that are perfect for redevelopment, but the cost to demolish the crumbling structures on these properties is standing in the way of new economic opportunities," DeWine said in a statement. "By helping to clear out this blight, we're investing in the future of our citizens and our communities."
The issue of urban blight doesn't just effect economic development; it's also a safety issue. Back in 2017, 14-year-old Alianna DeFreeze was tortured and murdered inside an abandoned home on Cleveland's Fuller Avenue. While the house has since been leveled and Alianna's killer sentenced to death, the DeFreeze family has continued to speak out on the dangers dilapidated buildings can pose to communities.
"These eyesores and structures continue to litter our city," Alianna's father Damon said back in 2019. "The funds are sitting their to make this happen at a more rapid pace."
That process received a major boost last year with the establishment of the state's demolition program. More than $150 million will eventually be set aside for counties to request in assistance of their efforts, with some areas also receiving additional money to cover excess costs.
"We are excited to see what the future holds for these properties," Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, wrote. "Removing these blighted and hazardous structures will transform the landscapes of these communities and open the door for future economic development."
Besides Cuyahoga, four other Northeast Ohio counties will receive funds to tear down a combined 25 old buildings: 14 in Lake County, five in Stark, four in Richland, and two in Erie. In particular, the governor's office singled out the old Kmart in North Canton, which will be destroyed to make way for a Meijer and create what officials say will be 400 new jobs.
"With these grants, we're giving communities the resources they need to help clean up and revitalize sites to remove eyesores and attract new business," Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said.