More Ohio counties to fight blight with land banks

COLUMBUS (AP) — More Ohio counties will have the power to take over and rehabilitate foreclosed properties, under a new law signed by Gov. Ted Strickland.

The legislation expands the use of so-called land banks outside of Cuyahoga County, which launched a pilot program last year to deal with the huge foreclosure problem in Cleveland and its near suburbs. The county’s land bank has so far acquired scores of vacant properties.

The new law allows the concept to spread to other Ohio counties with populations of more than 60,000.

At Wednesday’s signing, Strickland said vacant properties can eat away at the fabric of neighborhoods. He says land banks can improve blighted communities.