FRENCH LICK – Uplands Regional Land Bank is working to turn vacant and abandoned properties into opportunities for stronger neighborhoods and long-term community growth across the region.
The organization acquires and repurposes vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties in Martin, Daviess, Greene, Lawrence, Orange and Crawford counties. According to the Land Bank, the goal is to reduce blight, prevent further neighborhood decline and help increase property values by returning problem properties to productive use.
The Land Bank focuses on several types of properties, including vacant lots, abandoned homes and buildings, and deteriorated structures that may no longer be safe or suitable for habitation. Vacant properties may be empty, unoccupied or even unclaimed. Abandoned properties are often those the owner has left behind or can no longer maintain, and the Land Bank notes these homes are frequently damaged, destroyed by natural disasters or simply weakened by time. Deteriorated properties, the Land Bank said, can include real estate that has lost value due to physical wear and tear or damage, and may be deemed unfit for habitation by health, housing or building inspectors.
In addition to acquiring properties, the Uplands Regional Land Bank is also looking to connect with contractors interested in collaborating on redevelopment and rehabilitation efforts. The organization said partnerships can support projects such as rehabilitated homes, new housing construction or shovel-ready sites intended for future development.
For more information or to connect with the Land Bank, residents and contractors can contact the Uplands Regional Land Bank at (812) 295-3707, email urlandbank@sidc.cc, or visit urlandbank.com.
