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Detroit Gives Away Lots For $200 To Reduce Blight

DETROIT (WWJ) - The city of Detroit is expanding its White Picket Fence Program, designed to end blight by allowing residents to buy adjacent city-owned lots for $200. To sweeten the deal, buyers  also receive $200 gift cards to be used towards fencing and upkeep supplies.

So, who's eligible? "There are approximately 300 vacant pieces of property owned by the city over in the north end," Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said.

Bing added that Fifth Third Bank and First Independence Bank are sponsoring this phase of the Picket Fence Program. "They're offering a total of $300,000 for home repair grants to eligible home owners in the north end community," Bing said.

Phase one of the program began in southwest Detroit, the latest expansion brings the program to the city's North End. Bing said it's an important component for the city's effort to reduce blight and deter illegal dumping.

"We are looking forward to continuing to grow this program in various parts of the city," Bing said.

For the pilot program, property owners in Hubbard Farms, Springwells Village and Southwest Detroit were invited to buy vacant lots next to their homes. To date, more than 100 lots in those areas have been sold.

 

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