The Quad Cities Land Bank Authority (QCLBA), in partnership with the cities of Rock Island and East Moline, is ready to begin a revitalization project that will address 15 vacant and abandoned properties across the two cities. The initiative is made possible through a $268,000 Strong Communities Program grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority […]
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The Quad Cities Land Bank Authority (QCLBA), in partnership with the cities of Rock Island and East Moline, is ready to begin a revitalization project that will address 15 vacant and abandoned properties across the two cities.
The initiative is made possible through a $268,000 Strong Communities Program grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). The IHDA grant provides crucial funding to support the partner’s current efforts. The regional landbank partnership launched in April 2022.
For properties deemed beyond repair, IHDA demolition funding will be used to eliminate five structures. The grant also will assist in the acquisition of 10 vacant residential properties. That will help return the neglected structures to new housing opportunities, QCLBA said in a news release.
“The five sites identified for demolition have been abandoned for many years,” East Moline City Administrator Mark Rothert said in the release. “The IHDA grant will support the removal of all structures, clear the land, and prepare the sites for new investment. Demolition work will begin in early March and be completed by the end of the month.”
Rock Island Community Development Director Miles Brainard said “Securing ownership and control of vacant and abandoned properties can be complex, with legal hurdles that often discourage potential buyers.”
He added, “The IHDA grant will enable the City of Rock Island to overcome the legal barriers with 10 vacant properties, opening the door for qualified investors to purchase the properties.”
QCLBA Program Manager Mary Chappell emphasized the long-term benefits of the grant work. “This project is part of a broader investment by the partnering communities to combat the impact of neglected properties,” she said.
A strong foundation
“For the past two years, QCLBA board members have worked to build a strong foundation for the program,” Ms. Chappell added. “Now, we are at a critical point where efforts are progressing into real progress for our neighborhoods. The IHDA grant is a catalyst for long-term revitalization goals to transform neglected spaces into vibrant, productive places.”
IHDA is a self-supporting and mission-driven state agency. It is dedicated to financing the creation and preservation of affordable housing in Illinois. IHDA offers affordable mortgages and homebuyer down payment assistance It also provides financing for the development of affordable rental housing. And it and manages a variety of assistance programs to create communities where Illinoisans can live, work and thrive.
Since it was established in 1967, IHDA has delivered more than $27.8 billion in state, federal and leveraged financing. That made possible the purchase, development, or rehabilitation of more than 327,000 homes and apartments for low- and middle-income households. For more information on IHDA programs, visit www.ihda.org.
The QCLBA is an intergovernmental agency. Land banks work to combat community deterioration by returning property to productive use. That supports open space, housing, businesses and employment for citizens.
The mission of the QCLBA is to strategically acquire vacant, abandoned and tax delinquent properties; address title liabilities; and facilitate the revitalization of those properties to productive use consistent with local government plans and priorities. For more information, visit www.qclba.org.
