Land Use and Physical Development
Detroit LISC is committed to the development of neighborhoods of choice, offering quality, diverse housing and commercial opportunities that are viable at this time of economic uncertainty.
Reclaiming vacant and abandoned land is integral to the success of any community development initiative in Detroit. Vacant and abandoned property could be the city’s biggest asset, if it is reclaimed, redeveloped, and returned to productive use. Thus long term sustainability and physical change in Detroit neighborhoods is dependent upon effective land use and physical development planning.
Detroit LISC has taken a leadership role in addressing the land use and housing crisis in a number of ways. Detroit LISC seeks to assist in the development of neighborhoods of choice, offering quality, diverse housing options that are viable at this time of economic uncertainty. Vital to this goal is protecting the investment of current homeowners, while attracting new residents at multiple income levels to targeted areas, thereby increasing the city’s population and tax base. A few examples of the work Detroit LISC invests in related to Land Use and Physical Development include:
Housing and commercial Development
Providing early stage through construction financing (grants, loans, and equity) and technical assistance to help nonprofit partners create large-scale real estate developments, such as housing, shopping centers, mixed-use projects, and other commercial buildings, is a critical component of Detroit LISC's physical development agenda. Detroit LISC also assists in the acquisition and rehabilitation of housing developments aimed at sustainable neighborhood revitalization.
Detroit Land Bank
In 2005, Detroit LISC, as a founding member and the only funder of the Coalition for a Detroit Land Bank, educated stakeholders and advocated for a land bank authority in the City of Detroit. In July 2008, Detroit City Council voted to authorize the creation of a Detroit Land Bank Authority. Detroit LISC is proud to continue a leadership role with the group of dedicated stakeholders that helped make the creation of a Detroit Land Bank possible.
Detroit Vacant Property Campaign
The Detroit Vacant Property Campaign (DVPC), an initiative of Detroit LISC led by Community Legal Resources (CLR), is working with communities affected by vacant and foreclosed properties to develop and implement strategies to reduce the negative effects and encourage reuse. The DVPC involves the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD), the City of Detroit, community groups, neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations, and city residents.
The DVPC’s Vacant Property Toolbox contains strategies and resources to help all Detroit communities affected by vacant and foreclosed properties. The Toolbox Executive Summary provides for a highlight of these strategies and resources. The Quick Reference Guide provides commonly used telephone numbers to keep neighborhoods strong and safe.
Land Use Studies
Another component of Detroit LISC’s efforts to address land use is the commission of full land use studies for two targeted areas, the North End and Brightmoor. It will include an inventory the number and kinds of properties present in the communities, their current zoned use, the state of the properties, and their ownership. These studies will help to guide future investment decisions.