WILMINGTON — Although known primarily for its demolition work, part of the Clinton County Land Reuse Corporation (“Land Bank”) mission is to restore homes to productive use. According to a news release, returning abandoned and blighted properties to productive use is of the utmost importance to the county and its residents and neighborhoods.
With the help of many individuals, organizations and officials throughout the county, the Clinton County Land Bank seeks to return vacant and abandoned properties to productive use.
One such collaborative project was completed last fall, when Eileen Brady, a local developer, completed the rehabilitation of a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home previously purchased by the land bank, located at 263 N. Mulberry St. in Wilmington. , and which is currently listed for sale.
The project, which began with the usual property acquisition work led by the support of Assistant District Attorney Justin Dickman of the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office and Annen Vance with Wilmington Code Enforcement, also included support of cleanup of the Clinton County Juvenile Probation team. and the Wilmington M&R Department.
The Land Bank then offered the property for rehabilitation and awarded Eileen Brady’s offer to purchase and renovate the property, which was no small feat given the state the property was in at the time of purchase.
Brady said he was “happy to work with the land bank because I wholeheartedly support their mission to clean up blighted properties in our county. Over the years, I have personally renovated about a dozen properties in Clinton County, and I am proud to see homes and buildings return to their best for both residents and visitors to our area. The properties have continued to be cared for and have increased in value to their owners, which is beneficial to all.”
Brady continued: “As with other homes we’ve worked on, what’s especially motivating is when neighbors visit to thank us for fixing up a home that has been in disrepair for years. We have met grateful neighbors at each property, and I know that many neighbors appreciate the work of the land bank in various areas.”
“As with all of our work, there are many team players who contribute to the positive impact of the land bank in the community,” said Taylor Stuckert, executive director of the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission, which manages the land bank. land.
He added that “our work is more than demolition, it’s restoration, and we’re so lucky to have people like Eileen who care about the historic fabric of our communities and do such a tremendous job of seeing potential in properties that many consider to be ‘lost’. ‘, and you can see the quality and care in their work”.
If you or someone you know works to restore structures and is interested in partnering with the land bank, please email Ellen Sizer, [email protected]at the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission.
For more updates and information on the Clinton County Land Bank and what properties are available, visit clintoncountylandbank.com.
The renovated exterior of 263 N Mulberry Street in Wilmington.
The updated interior of 263 N Mulberry Street in Wilmington.