CAMPBELL — The Mahoning County Land Bank acquired more than 100 properties in the city and completed 97 demolitions from 2017 through 2019.

The land bank has released an “impact report” outlining results of demolition and repurposing efforts over three years in Campbell.

Through funding from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s Neighborhood Initiative Program, the Land Bank acquired the properties and completed the demolitions.

“The Neighborhood Initiative Program was an opportunity to rejuvenate residential areas after property abandonment had inflicted great damage,” said Debora Flora, land bank executive director, in the report.

Improvements throughout Campbell were completed by the land bank securing $1.2 million, focusing on an area southeast of the central business district, which will increase potential commcercial redevelopment. Those areas cleared by demolition have been improved by cleaning, greening and landscaping.

The program targeted the general area within borders of Tenney and Robinson avenues, and 16th and 12th streets.

The average cost of demolition for vacancies for this project was about $13,800. Flora said that through the program, the land bank had to acquire the vacant property as well as test and abate where asbestos was present. Landscaping was also required, she added.

Removal of the foundations was also included into the expense, as the land bank decided to remove foundations as opposed to collapsing structures into the basements.

“It helps with redevelopment in the future if someone” wants to repurpose the land, Flora said.

Bright Avenue Park was established in a place where vacant homes once stood. The green space is the land bank’s largest greening project to date. The park has a vegetable garden and a free, self-serving, ‘mini library’ that allows residents to check out books.

The library, which came to fruition between the land bank, city of Campbell and the Rotary Club of Youngstown, is managed by National Honors Society students from Campbell Memorial High School.

Mayor Nick Phillips noted in the report that the park is the first of its kind locally. “Residents will be able to come by and pick and enjoy the fresh vegetables in the garden and can spend time with neighbors here,” he said.

Also included in the report :

• Arson calls have reportedly declined in Campbell as a result of the program.

• Six houses that were targeted to be torn down were preserved.

• Within a 20-square-block area, 34 houses were demolished.