The Preble County Land Bank is recruiting property owners and communities with possible demolition and redevelopment sites as it readies a bid for the next round of state demolition grant money.
According to the Land Bank, the fiscal year 2027 program is accepting applications, and owners of vacant, blighted or otherwise problematic properties are asked to file a Request for Property Investigation promptly. The state application is due Oct. 16, which the Land Bank describes as a narrow window to identify projects, assess properties and finish preliminary work. Submissions should arrive quickly; review will require future plans and photographs. Contact the Land Bank office with property details as soon as possible.
The state evaluation for fiscal year 2027 changes from earlier rounds, shifting toward merit-based selection rather than county allocations, the Land Bank said. State factors include readiness, local support, economic impact, return on investment and potential for redevelopment or housing. A demolition need alone may not make a project competitive, and properties with reuse plans are expected to fare better. Owners would pay 25 percent of demolition costs.
The state also favors so-called shovel-ready projects, the Land Bank said. Site control, permits, zoning approvals, development agreements, contracts, financing commitments and schedules can show readiness. Community backing can help too, including local resolutions, support letters, economic development endorsements, public meeting records and local matching funds. The state will weigh job creation, future tax revenue, revitalization, housing and regional benefits. Projects with clear redevelopment outcomes are expected to beat nuisance-only proposals.
Given the short timeline, municipalities and owners should make contact immediately, the Land Bank said. Some properties may need asbestos inspections or other preliminary work. Information goes to 937-456-8101 or landbank@prebco.org, and the Land Bank must file by Oct. 16.