Kansas City Puts Down Payment on Clearing Blight

Already responsible for more than $1.5 million in yearly upkeep costs for the properties that were formerly owned by the financially strapped Jackson County Land Trust, Kansas City began acquiring 3,500 vacant properties this month as the "latest step in a plan to restore blighted communities in the city's core," reports Sarah Fentem.

"David Park of the Kansas City Planning Department said the transfer not
only provides more funds, but also offers the city 'more flexibility and
authority' when dealing with the vacant properties. For example, unlike
the Jackson County Land Trust, the city has the ability to give
properties away or combine two smaller properties to make the land more
marketable," notes Fentem.

"[Park] said he hopes such initiatives will attract younger people to Kansas
City. 'The idea of moving into a neighborhood that needs
revitalization-to be part of that movement- is attractive,' said Park.
New residents could help reduce blight by encouraging positive
redevelopment. 'I don't think we can cause it, but I think we can
facilitate it.'"