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Tearing down blight, building up communities

A statewide plan to revive struggling communities is kicking off in Cincinnati. "Moving Ohio Forward Demolition Program" uses national mortgage settlement funds to tear down blighted properties.

The first houses are coming down in East Price Hill.

Ken Smith with the community development organization Price Hill Will is excited about the redevelopment opportunities and other possible land uses.

"It will just depend on whether or not there's enough contiguous parcels created to do some sort of redevelopment or if it just becomes an attractive side lot for a neighboring property owner. It could be a  pocket park, maybe a community garden."

Cincinnati says it averages 70 demolitions per year but more than 700 are anticipated next year. The Hamilton County Land Bank is administering the county's $5.8 million portion of the program.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.