Community Development
Learn how the Land Bank fuels economic development across Portage County.
Brownfield Remediation Program
Through the Ohio Department of Development’s Brownfield Remediation Program (BRP), the Land Bank facilitates the cleanup of contaminated industrial and commercial sites to support safe redevelopment. By removing environmental barriers and restoring these sites to financial viability, we turn once-forgotten properties into economic engines for the community.
Building Demolition & Site Revitalization Program
Supported by the Ohio Department of Development, this state grant-funded program allows the Land Bank to strategically demolish dilapidated structures throughout Portage County. For us, demolition is more than removal — it’s a tool for unlocking a property’s potential, improving neighborhood safety, and creating opportunities for new, community-centered development.
337
properties returned to productive use
$2.4M+
in property value returned to the market
$600K
in new construction loans issued
Learn how you can help build a better
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Land Bank identify eligible Brownfield and demolition sites?
Working with community partners, local political jurisdictions, and environmental consultants, the Land Bank identifies sites for remediation or demolition. Each program has its own eligibility requirements, but both focus on properties that offer a tangible return on investment for the county, maximizing community impact.
What happens once a building is removed or the site is cleaned?
The Land Bank’s mission is to return land to productive use. Remediation focuses on commercial sites, which can become economic development opportunities for the county. Demolition projects vary based on property ownership, but both programs prioritize sites that provide a clear return on investment for the community.
Can the Land Bank acquire any abandoned property in the county?
No. The Land Bank does not have the authority to take ownership of just any property. Most are acquired through tax foreclosure and must be tax-delinquent, with limited exceptions through state-funded programs. Each acquisition is evaluated based on the property’s potential for productive use.
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