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GHAC discusses uses for lots after demolition
Members of the Greater Hilltop Area Commission (GHAC) are concerned about what happens after the city of Columbus completes its plan to demolish 900 blighted homes. The city is tearing down vacant and abandoned properties over the next four years. The Hilltop has numerous candidates for demolition, but how the property is left after demolition is causing discussion. “From what I see we are left with a huge hole in the ground,” Commissioner Greg Large said. “That’s a danger to our youth playing in the yards.” GHAC Chair Chuck Patterson said he favors the land being used for community gardens until the city finds a buyer. The city will acquire properties before they are demolished. This drew a question from resident Lisa Boggs, on how the city takes possession. According to David Hooie, Columbus Department of Development, the city orders property owners to clean their premises and issues injunctions if the order is ignored. Fines can be assessed and after those accumulate the city can take the house. “But it takes time,” Hooie said, adding the city can aquire homes not sold at sheriff sales.
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