News – $930,000 Awarded for Property Demolition

Garfield Heights Awarded $930,000 for Property Demolition

Garfield Heights officials learned they will receive $930,000 from Cuyahoga County to demolish unsalvageable residential and commercial properties.  The Property Demolition Program is expected to strengthen existing communities, accelerate property value growth and restore neighborhoods, according to Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. Nineteen other communities were awarded part of the more than $10 million project allocation. The first round of awards will address about 10 percent of the vacant properties throughout the various communities hit hard by the foreclosure crises and declining values.

“Addressing vacant and distressed properties is an urgent issue throughout Cuyahoga County,” Budish said. “We are committed to working with communities and housing advocates, side-by-side, to eliminate blight, promote redevelopment and ultimately, create stronger neighborhoods.”

Garfield Heights Mayor Vic Collova said he is pleased the county was able to find the money to help struggling communities. “We appreciate the commitment of the executive and the county council members. This is a program we definitely need and our city will see its benefit,” said the mayor.

Applications for a second round of funding will be accepted beginning May 1. Garfield Heights Economic Development Director Noreen Kuban said officials have identified 92 structures to be demolished with the first-round funding the city will receive. “And we know there are additional vacant and blighted properties we can take care of, if we receive more money from the county program,” Kuban said.

According to Cuyahoga County officials, Bedford will receive $425,000; Cleveland, $992,240; Maple Heights, $908,000; and Newburgh Heights, $525,000.