A program designed to stabilize property values in Trumbull County has been responsible for demolishing 1,028 properties since its inception seven years ago.

That’s according to the final report of the Neighborhood Initiative Program issued by the Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership.

The Neighborhood Initiative Program (NIP) was established in 2014 to stabilize property values by removing vacant and blighted properties in targeted areas to prevent future foreclosures for existing homeowners.

Through community partnerships, renovation, demolition, and greenspace projects the NIP has had an impact on neighborhoods in Warren and Trumbull County, according to the report.

The Trumbull County Land Bank secured more than $12 million in Neighborhood Initiative funding through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to address abandoned, blighted properties in the county.

In addition to the City of Warren, the 22 targeted areas included Niles, Liberty, Masury, Hubbard, and other communities.

The partnership has sold 1,139 vacant lots, with 162 of those falling under the Side Lot Incentive program where residents can take ownership of adjacent properties that have fallen behind on property taxes. 

In addition, 67 properties have been turned into green space, including community gardens and the Lots to Love program which helps residents install greening projects on newly vacant lots.

NIP has had additional impacts through increased property values and returning properties to the tax rolls.

The Land Bank says it is now focusing on addressing issues such as occupied home repair, affordable housing, and homeownership opportunities.

The complete NIP report may be viewed here.