Richmond joins nonprofit land bank

A land bank designed to help revitalize Wayne County neighborhoods has received Richmond’s buy-in and $180,000 commitment.

During their April 6 meeting, Richmond Common Council members approved 8-1, with Lucinda Wright opposed, an interlocal agreement with Wayne County government that forms the land bank. The city’s Board of Public Works and Safety then also approved the interlocal agreement 3-0 during its April 9 meeting. Richmond Redevelopment Commission will provide $60,000 a year for three years to fulfill the city’s financial commitment.

Wayne County commissioners and council members already had approved the interlocal and the county’s $60,000 annual contribution. Another $100,000 from the county’s consolidated economic development income tax fund provides seed money, and Cambridge City has committed $5,000 each of the first three years.

Valerie Shaffer, president of the Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County, said a part-time manager and a seven-member board will oversee the nonprofit land bank. The hope is the manager position will become full time once the land bank begins generating funds.

The land bank will acquire blighted residential properties that have been rejected through the open market and tax sales and hold them while searching for responsible buyers who will rehabilitate residences and return them to tax rolls. The land bank will stabilize and secure buildings and maintain the lots. Joe Fillenwarth, the land bank manager for Intend Indiana, which is helping establish the land bank, said the land bank will be good stewards of properties.

Council member Jerry Purcell asked if engineering studies would be performed on acquired buildings. Fillenwarth said a contractor will evaluate structural integrity and, in some instances, buildings might be demolished; however, the land bank’s goal is to save as many of the residences as possible and to preserve historic homes.

By holding multiple properties, the land bank can combine properties into a deal that’s more attractive to a developer than each property singularly. Fillenwarth said the land bank reduces risk for developers and entities providing subsidies to provide affordable housing.

EDC officials say the land bank is central to advancing rehabilitation efforts in Richmond’s Starr neighborhood.

The land bank is separate from the Wayne County Foundation’s Wayne County Land Trust, which uses private funds to acquire commercial buildings.

Accepting donations

Mayor Ron Oler requested passage of an ordinance permitting the mayor’s office to receive donations, citing two specific projects.

A bronze plaque to honor victims of the April 6, 1968, downtown explosions is being constructed for placement at the 6Main apartment development on the site of Marting Arms sporting goods store, where the blasts originated. Oler said the 41 victims’ names will be included.

The memorial will cost $5,200, and the city is collecting donations.

The city is also accepting donations to fund events surrounding the United States’ 250th birthday. Oler said a time capsule buried in 1976 will be opened, the Freedom Fountain outside Richmond Municipal Building will be converted into the Freedom Plaza and flowers will be planted in American flag and “250” designs.

Council unanimously approved the ordinance.

Grant applications

Council authorized applications for aviation and parks grants.

The parks department plans to request $5 million in grant funding from the READI 2.0 arts and culture initiative. The money would be used for an amphitheater, a Gennett Plaza and Starr-Gennett building improvements.

“We really think that our application is going to be looked at very favorably,” said Denise Retz, the city’s parks superintendent.

The application leverages the $9,575,000 already committed to the Whitewater Gorge Park activation project and has received 18 letters of support from partners.

The airport is applying for $763,480 from the Federal Aviation Administration under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Rodney Mayse, the airport manager, said the funding is guaranteed and has been rolled over for use toward the new airport terminal building.

The airport budget must provide a $19,087 match.

Other issues

• Controller Tracy McGinnis provided 2025 financials to council members. The city spent 80% of its budgeted money during the year, saving $2.1 million.
• Council members approved an appropriation resolution transferring $11,510.24 to Richmond Police Department and $800 to the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety, following council’s new oversight policy.
• Jalen Sleet was appointed 8-1 to the Street Tree Commission with Jerry Purcell dissenting.
• Council approved rezoning two parcels acquired by Richmond Power & Light to high intensity industrial. Richmond Advisory Plan Commission recommended approval.
• Richmond Sanitary District did not purchase recycling equipment during 2025, so council appropriated $250,000 for the purchase this year.
• Beth Fields, the director of strategic initiatives, updated council members on tax increment finance allocation areas. More than $2.2 million was paid toward bond principal and interest debt during 2025.