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1704 Bellefontaine St., Indianapolis, IN 46202

Mayor Joe Hogsett, community partners demolish problem property in the King Park neighborhood

Area experienced an 18% drop in IMPD runs after redevelopment efforts began

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Mayor Joe Hogsett was joined by the Department of Metropolitan Development, King Park Development Corporation, Renew Indianapolis, and the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership to kick off the demolition of a blighted property in the King Park neighborhood. The property had been a scourge to the area, formerly serving as a venue for prostitution and other illegal activity. The demolition comes as part of Mayor Hogsett’s 2,000 Homes in 2 Years initiative.

From the period of January 1 – June 30, 2017, IMPD was called to the area surrounding the property 171 times. 14 of these runs were made to this specific property for reasons ranging from disturbances to shots fired. King Park Development Corporation took ownership in June of 2017 and boarded the houses. In the six months following, July 1 – December 31, 2017, no further runs were made to the property, and the surrounding area saw an 18% decrease in police activity.

“Last April, we made a promise to rebuild, restore, or demolish 2,000 homes within the next two years. This initiative is about more than removing eyesores and raising property values – it’s about ridding neighborhoods of hotbeds for crime,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “By stepping in, the impact we’ve had on crime reduction is clear. And as we tear down this home today, we continue to restore this neighborhood’s quality of life.”

King Park Development Corporation acquired the property through the County Surplus. Following demolition, the property will be the heart of a 60-home development project. Plans include construction of a new house on the lot in the next 1-2 years, with 2 affordable homes being built on the adjacent properties later in 2018.

“This is more than just the demolition of a blighted house. Today, we remove the source of many of the problems that have plagued this neighborhood for years,” said Steven Meyer, Executive Director of King Park Development Corporation.

The demolition of the property is being funded through Renew Indianapolis’ Blight Elimination Program, utilizing the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Hardest Hit Funds. The demolition continues Renew Indianapolis’ record-breaking years of redevelopment in Indianapolis neighborhoods, with the demolition of 91 houses funded in 2016, 118 in 2017, and 67 in process in 2018. Additionally, Renew Indianapolis made 134 property sales in 2017, setting an Indianapolis Landbank record. 39 houses and vacant lots have been sold thus far in 2018.

“Renew Indianapolis is pleased to partner with Mayor Hogsett and King Park Development Corporation to make positive changes in this neighborhood,” said Bruce Baird, Executive Director of Renew Indianapolis. “We’re working city-wide to eliminate blighted homes, setting the stage for community-led redevelopment efforts.”

The 2,000 Homes in 2 Years initiative is Mayor Hogsett’s commitment to transform 2,000 homes that blight Indianapolis neighborhoods through demolition, rehab and repair, new construction, or land transactions by 2019. Launched in last year’s State of the City address, the initiative has already transformed over 1,000 homes and is on track to reach the goal of 2,000 by the end of the year.

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About King Park Development Corporation

King Park Development Corporation is a non-profit community development corporation committed to improving housing, economic development, and quality of life in the King Park area. To learn more, visit: www.renewindy.org.

About Renew Indianapolis

Bringing new value to Indianapolis neighborhoods and the city, Renew Indianapolis helps buyers secure properties that need help and revitalization. Renew Indianapolis’ goal is to return abandoned, vacant, or challenged properties to productive use by selling them to individuals, non-profit, and for-profit organizations. Learn more about Renew Indianapolis at: www.renewindianapolis.org.