The Central Illinois Land Bank Authority has approved Decatur’s offer to help that city market 300 to 400 lots. For any lots sold the land bank keeps the proceeds. The agreement is similar to one with the City of Danville to help get surplus side-lots back on the tax rolls.
Mike Davis, Executive Director of the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority, thinks the Land Bank will also be able to help Decatur with the implementation of a $1.2 million dollar Howard Buffett grant that the city recently received. Davis says the details need to be worked out on what roll(s) the land bank will play on that project, but adds it’s a great opportunity to help build the track record of the land bank and ideally do more projects like this down the road in Vermilion and Champaign Counties.
‘’I believe is speaks to the importance of partnerships with the philanthropic community and collaboration with member communities,’’ said Davis. He noted CILBA executed a $100-thousand dollar Round 2 Land Bank Capacity Program grant in April which called for expansion to Decatur – so Davis says that grant money will help fund any staff time spent there.
The land bank originated in Vermilion County. Its election of new officers reflects how it has expanded into other areas. Those officers include Wes Bieritz – Chairman, from Vermilion County….Darlene Kloeppel, Vice-Chairman, from Champaign County….Jon Kindseth, Treasurer, from Decatur….Shelley McClain, Secretary, representing Catlin. Bieritz had already been the chairman and McClain had already been the Secretary for the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority. Land banks are public or community-owned entities which are created to assist with community revitalization projects.
