I didn't want to disrupt the Central Terminal thread, but I see that most everyone seems to be in agreement that the East Side should be "land banked."
For those of who who may not know why this makes sense - could someone please explain the theory behind it?
Basically, landbanking would be the reservation of contiguous city owned vacant lots until large enough sections could be developed in total (not just new housing, but possibly commercial development as well - there has to be a demand first). Because of the large number of vacant houses on the east side, this strategy would have to be planned and could ideally be managed through housing court. Michele is the best person to give you specific details.
“Never doubt that the work of a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
Has it been done anywhere else in the City of Buffalo?
In other more prosperous areas, landbanking is a way for the Donald Trumps of the world to get richer. Much like flipping being negative here and positive elsewhere, landbanking would be a positive thing here as long as the landbanker is a responsible entity, like the city (don't laugh).
“Never doubt that the work of a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
Do you mean like all those nice, newer looking houses along Swan Street, and the surrounding areas?
Or, like the nice new houses going up on Sycamore Street?
Is that what the ultimate goal would be?
Cause those were all developed by the City, weren't they?
People get tax breaks to buy those houses, don't they?
Landbanking not only makes large chunks of property available for redeveloment, it would also lessen costs because entire blocks of dilapidated houses would come down, streets would be abandoned, and utilities shut down. This means that the fire and police departments wouldn't have to patrol the areas or answer fire calls. Abandoned houses provide havens for criminals, especially those involved in drugs, dog fighting, illegal gambling, etc., and draw arsonists like magnets. The city would also save on street maintenance and snowplowing, as well as maintenance of water and sewer lines on blocks that have maybe 1 or 2 occupied houses on them.
Also, dilapidated and abandoned buildings discourage new development.
Youngstown, Ohio, has used landbanking extensively to make the city better able to take advantage of development opportunities and cut costs.
sorry, I laughed before I got to the "(don't laugh)" part.Originally Posted by Mike Miller
Vote for freedom, not political parties.
Politicians need to cut spending
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