Mrvan wants to expand federal grants for blighted building removal

Northwest Indiana’s congressman is working to make more federal grant funding available to revitalize neighborhoods across the country by demolishing vacant homes and other abandoned structures.

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, recently filed House Bill 6217 that aims to reduce blight and improve property values, enhance public safety and promote livable communities.

Under the plan, the U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would be authorized to award grants to low-income communities in Indiana and elsewhere for building demolition, window boarding, waste removal, renovation of non-blighted structures and construction or preservation of affordable residences.

The legislation, which is awaiting action by the House Committee on Financial Services, also allows the HUD secretary to set a matching funds requirement as low as 15%, potentially freeing up additional local dollars for community revitalization projects.

“In Northwest Indiana and across the country, abandoned properties harm neighborhoods by downgrading property values and increasing the risk of crime,” Mrvan said.

“I introduced this legislation in order to improve the ability of local governments to tear down and revitalize blighted properties and promote more investments in our communities. I believe that this type of targeted federal grant program will strengthen our neighborhoods, make our parks safer, and improve housing and home ownership opportunities for everyone.”

Steven Meyer, CEO of Intend Indiana, said Mrvan’s proposal, if enacted into law, would provide needed tools and resources to spur local investment and build thriving neighborhoods.

“Addressing vacant, abandoned and deteriorating properties in Hoosier communities is an integral first step in revitalizing neighborhoods and encouraging affordable housing,” Meyer said.

Andrew Bradley, Prosperity Indiana’s senior director of policy and strategy, agreed.

“The bill would benefit vulnerable Hoosiers and communities who have experienced declining home ownership rates and sharply rising housing costs by empowering local organizations to address vacant and abandoned properties and transform them into much needed housing and beneficial community resources,” Bradley said.

The measure also is backed by Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Center for Community Progress, National Community Stabilization Trust, and Cinnaire Lending.