Author: VPR Network

Deed Restrictions Inhibit Vacant Property Revitalization

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The River City Community Church in Bexar County, Texas purchased a Verizon Wireless amphitheater that previously served as an outdoor concert venue for artists such as Toby Keith and ZZ Top.  The amphitheater was vacant for two years because deed restrictions prohibited other entertainment companies from purchasing the property from Live Nation Worldwide.  Many other
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Vacant Property Maintenance is Costly and Time-Consuming

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Numerous housing foreclosures in Schaumburg, Illinois have dramatically increased the number of vacant properties in the city.  Vacant properties often fall into disrepair, degrading the area’s visual appearance and financial value and leading to crimes such as burglary.  City officials utilize considerable time and finances to maintain the abandoned properties. For the full article please
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Camden, New Jersey Tackles Vacant Properties

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Mayor Dana Redd of Camden, NJ has initiated a revitalization effort in the city.  Vacant properties have plagued the area – dragging down property values, jeopardizing public safety, and decreasing quality of life.  To combat these issues, the mayor established the Business Growth and Development Team to aid city residents, non-profits, and developers redevelop the
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Youngstown, Ohio Shrinks to Revitalize

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In May of 2011, PBS released a  video, as part of “Blueprint America: PBS reports on Infrastructure,” which spotlights Youngstown, Ohio’s efforts to successfully shrink.  The video discusses strategies and tools that the city is using to improve quality of life for residents who continue to live there.   To watch the video, please visit:
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Students Help Land Reclamation Project in Hibbing, Minnesota

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Chisholm Elementary students, in Hibbing, MN, helped to plant more than 400 trees as part of a land reclamation project on land previously mined. Terry Filippi, the manager of the land, wishes to pursue the reclamation project because he hopes the land can continue to be commercially or aesthetically useful long after the mines are
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