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Ishpeming on right track in blight battle

The city of Ishpeming continues to make progress in battling blight, although more remains to be done.

Most recently, it was announced that Ishpeming has been awarded about $221,000 from the Marquette County Land Bank Authority for blight elimination, funds that originate from the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Nonprofit Housing Corp. and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

The money can be used not only for building removal but to create economic growth, land bank Chairwoman Anne Giroux said in an email that was quoted in a Mining Journal story. Of the 90 properties the land bank has demolished since 2009, 38 have been in Ishpeming.

“Blight elimination, whether it be through demolition or rehab, achieves both” building removal and economic development, Giroux said in the Journal story. “Many property owners have benefited from purchasing one of our vacant lots through our side lot program. We have just this year embarked on turning two of the vacant lots in our inventory into public spaces that will benefit the community.”

While Ishpeming has taken very definite strides in addressing blight within its borders, more needs to be done, City Manager Mark Slown said. In that regard, a business group is seeking input from residents and business people alike. A meeting is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 3 at Jasper Ridge Brewery that readers who are impacted should consider attending.

Commentary can also be directed to citymanager@ishpemingcity.org.

Give Ishpeming credit. Taking on blight is neither easy nor cheap. Officials there are on the right track.

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