Grant money may help in demolition
By MICHAEL D. McELWAIN (mmcelwain@reviewonline.com)EAST LIVERPOOL - An infusion of money from the state's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) may assist the city in clearing out buildings marked for demolition.
East Liverpool Mayor Jim Swoger said it's not clear how much money the city is set to receive.
"I'm going to meet with Dan Bing (county commissioner) and also meet with the mayor of Salem on the direction and things that need to be done as far as the application is concerned," Swoger said.
According to information sent out from Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) Director, and Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, 17 cities, 12 counties and 21 regions in Ohio will receive more than $83 million of Ohio NSP funds.
Columbiana and Carroll counties will share a $1.529 million regional award. How the money is allocated is still yet to be determined.
The funds, according to a news release from the ODOD, were awarded based on foreclosures, subprime loans, defaults, delinquencies and vacancy rates, with the areas of greatest need receiving funding.
The Columbiana and Carroll counties region will be required to select a lead entity to administer the programs locally.
Counties will be receiving letters next week from the ODOD explaining this financial opportunity. Award recipients must develop a local plan for spending the NSP money and submit an application concerning those plans by Feb. 27.
Swoger said he hopes to use East Liverpool's allocation to alleviate the city's abandoned home crisis.
"The city has a book of 50 homes or buildings on the waiting list to be demolished," Swoger said. "It can be a very expensive undertaking when it comes to demolishing a home or building."
Depending on the situation, the city often has to pay environmental testing and asbestos removal before demolishing a building.
This year, the Patrick Foundation pledged $20,000 toward the effort, and the David Mason Foundation agreed to put $10,000 toward the cause. The East Liverpool Rotary added $3,500 toward the local fund.
Swoger said with that money, and with NSP funds, many of the structures earmarked for demolition could come down next year.
