ATTENTION: Neighborhood Associations & Leaders

Abandoned Housing & Public Safety

Dear Neighborhood Leader and/or Community Development Representative,

Abandoned Housing and Public Safety have become an important issue across the community, and it is proven that there is a direct correlation between the two. Where there is crime, there will be abandoned houses and where there are a lot of abandoned houses, there will be crime.

On Saturday, May 17, 2008 the Department of Metropolitan Development, Division of Community Economic Development will host a Vacant/ Abandoned Buildings Training. The training will be held at Martin University (2171 Avondale Place Indianapolis, IN 46218) in Room F from 12 noon to 1:30PM. Our goal with this training is to determine where the highest populations of abandoned/ vacant structures are within your neighborhood so that the City can assist in providing resources to combat this issue to move towards making Indianapolis the “Safest City in the World.” This requires a lot of work, dedication, and collaboration with neighborhood groups, community development corporations, not-for-profits, as well as other stakeholders within your neighborhoods.

With this training:

* Neighborhoods will understand the process of how the City determines Vacant/Abandoned buildings in the communities.

* Neighborhoods will be able to correctly survey Vacant/Abandoned buildings in the neighborhoods using city guidelines and tools.

* Neighborhoods will be able to track the progress of where these buildings are in the system as they report them.

* Neighborhoods will be able to remonstrate against problem properties in their communities thereby creating empowerment and ownership for the well being of the community.

* And finally, Neighborhoods will have the opportunity to have input on the process itself.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to canvas the immediate area assuring a hands-on experience with the tools. Please wear something comfortable and the appropriate footwear as we take our “short” trek through the neighborhood.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at…

Duane Ingram-Land Bank Manager
Department of Metropolitan Development
Division of Community Economic Development
City of Indianapolis, Indiana
200 E. Washington Street Ste. 2042
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

(317) 327-5614 Office
(317) 327-5908 Fax
www.indygov.org/indylandbank