Shelbyville, IN -- Homes that are beyond renovation, vacant and impacting property values are being torn down in Shelbyville.
As of September, the city has demolished seven homes, according to Adam Rude, Shelbyville Deputy Director of Planning. The properties are part of Indiana's Blight Elimination Program.
"I think it's meant a lot to people who live in these areas to see that the city cares about these neighborhoods that are located in underserved areas," Rude said.
In 2004, Shelbyville applied and received a $300,000 federal grant to demolish 12 blighted properties.
However, since that time, there have been some obstacles in buying the homes. "Settling on the price has been a problem," Rude said. "The owners must be willing to voluntarily sell the property to the city."
Once the homes are leveled, the city does not remain the property owner. Habitat for Humanity of Shelby County takes over. "So they can either build on the ground or hold on to the land," Rude said.
Moving forward, Rude says his department hopes to tear down all 12 properties. However, he admits it's a slow process due to the checks and balances involved on the state and federal level. He hopes to have all 12 demolished within the next 18 months.
The city is also working alongside the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority on demolishing homes.
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