Over the last two years, the housing crisis has gripped one community after another. As a result, once-thriving neighborhoods are now half-empty, and abandoned properties litter streets in nearly every town. It has forced cities like Columbia, Missouri to restructure their housing strategies, taking into consideration the growing number of empty and unkempt houses in their communities.
In a plan posted on the city web site last year year, Columbia announced its intent to step up its efforts at bringing affordable housing into the area by focusing on foreclosed and abandoned properties.
The city allocated $50,000 to purchase, repair or demolish properties that have been vacant for a year or more. Though the properties will be purchased by the city, they will be turned over to housing development organizations that are committed to creating affordable housing. The city will work to clear property titles, paying off liens for example, so as not to hinder property development and subsequent sales.
Though it has a limited budget to start with, city officials have requested nearly $1 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), $650,000 in HOME funding, and $1.5 million from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) to expand the program. A 279-page funding application has been submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, but the city won't know until later this year whether it will receive any money.
In the interim, city officials intend to do what they can with the few resources currently available to them. Developers interested in participating in Columbia's program are encouraged to contact the city's Planning and Development Department via its web site. Other cities are taking similar action, trying to make the best of out of difficult situation. Creative solutions, like conversion of abandoned properties, can provided additional business for developers, and additional - much needed - housing for people impacted by the recession.