Moving Ohio Forward funds help county

VW independent/submitted information

Ohio’s share of a national lawsuit against mortgage lenders whose deceptive practices contributed to the nation’s foreclosure crisis made its way to Van Wert County, helping raze 19 vacant and neglected properties.

The program, dubbed “Moving Ohio Forward,” distributed $119 million from the 2012 settlement throughout the state. Van Wert County received $172,147 and contributed an additional $6,735, bringing the total investment to $178,882. The state distributed funds for the program based on population.

The average demolition cost per unit was $9,414.  Properties were razed in Delphos, Middle Point, the city of Van Wert, Willshire, and Wren.

“Abandoned properties are not only a safety hazard, but a magnet for crime,” said Van Wert County Board of Commissioners Chairman Stan D. Owens. “The foreclosure crisis contributed to an epidemic of neglected and forsaken properties that threatened property values as well as community safety. The county saw the value in the Moving Ohio Forward Program and was more than willing to contribute to stretch those dollars farther.”

Metropolitan counties demolished thousands of foreclosed and abandoned properties that were hazardous and contributed to rising crime and sinking property values. Cuyahoga (Cleveland) razed 3,449 units; Franklin (Columbus) 1,800, Hamilton (Cincinnati) 1,626, and. Lucas (Toledo) 1,008.

Neighboring counties posted comparable results: Paulding (13), Putnam (14), and Mercer (16). A total of 14,608 neglected units were razed during the 2½-year tenure of the program.