Search for “land bank”
Results 1 to 59 of 59
Indy Land Bank Officials Indicted
Michigan needs to review land bank operations
… office of the Indianapolis Land Bank on May 28 after a months-long … nonprofit groups.
The land bank's director, Reginald Walton, … been charged.
Allegedly, land bank officials were exploiting … other would-be buyers of land bank property. The Indianapolis Land Bank would sell properties at … more
MichiganVotes: Proposed Bill Would Provide Accountability For Land Banks
County land banks rife with problems
The Wayne County Land Bank scooped up 240 acres, spent $26 million … “improvements,” and sold the land to a developer for $1 with … materialized.
The Kent County Land Bank has blocked more than 40 … private developers to fund land bank operations, despite state … entities from doing so.
The land bank in Genesee County wants to … more
Land Bank Reform Bill Introduced
HB 4626 would penalize land banks for violating state law
… n response to government land banks side-stepping state law, … R-Caledonia, that would penalize land banks for acquiring property before … actions of the Kent County Land Bank when it blocked the sale … properties last year.
Though land banks are promoted as entities … would purchase, the Kent County Land Bank has worked to acquire desirable … more
Questions Raised About Land Bank Conflict of Interest
Government land bank blocks private bidders, is now being sold by bank advisory council member's company
… property the Kent County Land Bank blocked from sale to private … company owned by one of the land bank's advisory council members. … auction this summer, but the land bank coordinated with county officials … According to staff comments, the land bank requested the property be …
Land Bank Loans Often Losers
Land Banking: An Old Idea With A … more
Land Banks Buying Properties Private Buyers Would Want
Original land bank law aimed at 'undesirable' properties
Kent County's Land Bank has been acquiring tax reverted properties … intervention.
Under Michigan law, land banks can't buy such property … been buying properties for the land bank. They make the purchase and then sell the property to the land bank at cost. Many of these properties … private buyers.
Kent County Land Bank appears to be making no effort … more
Court Rules in Favor of Land Bank
Some properties blocked from competitive tax auction will go to nonprofits
… agents suing the Kent County Land Bank for blocking tax foreclosed … auction.
This summer, the land bank coordinated with Kent County … from tax auction gave the land bank control over who is allowed … purchase property, and gave the land bank a say in how the property is used. Land bank staff comments at the time … more
Kent County Land Bank Is Not a Good Deal For Citizens
Recent report from the land bank promoting generous return on investment missing key information
… report from the Kent County Land Bank claims the agency's actions … receiving media attention.
Land bank officials arrived at their … of $151,879. Using the land bank's math, the local realtors … infinity.
Also, the cost of the land bank is shown only by its operating budget. The land bank did not consider other costs … more
New Challenge to Land Bank Purchasing Practice
Citizen joins effort to stop Kent County Land Bank from getting property before it goes to auction
… legality of the Kent County Land Bank's purchasing practices have taken … buy a property because the land bank grabbed it first is joining … the opportunity when the land bank took the property first," … Realtor agencies opposing the land bank's practices in court.
Vander … coalition challenging the land bank in court.
At issue, is the … more
Land Bank Powers Abused, Costly to Taxpayers
After the Kent County Land Bank Authority came under fire for buying … and will look at how other land banks choose to buy property. … residents upset with the land bank's actions.
If its members … elsewhere.
When defending the land bank's practices, Executive Director … $220 million to expand its land banking activities. A recent … more
Litigants Ask Supreme Court to Review County Land Bank Cherry-Picking Prime Property
Lawsuit wants to prevent government land bank from cutting in front of private investors
… against the Kent County Land Bank, the Kent County treasurer, … public auction because the land bank, a government agency, was … Rapids, the Kent County Land Bank gave the city money to purchase … the properties back to the land bank.
“The transfer process is … the statute, making the land bank section meaningless. The … more
Land Banks Profit By Cutting In Front of People Wanting To Buy Property
A video report
Land banks are supposed to help eliminate blight, revitalize … some cases in Michigan, land banks have scooped up property … it for the benefit of the land bank. Taxpayers lose because the … auction.
Michigan created land banks in 2003 to deal with overwhelming … like Flint and Detroit. Land banks are public bodies that for … more
Little Or No Consequences for Detroit Land Bank Billing Scam
Only one employee transferred with a pay cut
… oprieties at the Detroit Land Bank Authority cost taxpayers … compliance manager for the land bank's demolition work, oversaw …
Officials from the Detroit Land Bank Authority said they cannot … public of affairs for the land bank.
Whistleblower Timothy Drakeford … also reported that the land bank's chair, Erica Ward Gerson, … more
County Blocks Private Citizens From Purchasing Home; Buys The Property Itself
Sale proceeds could be used to fund Kent County Land Bank Authority's operations
… property, the Kent County Land Bank Authority acquired it for … also serves as chair of the land bank authority. "However, the … by what was reported as "land bank staff" suggest that the county …
According to an MLive story, the land bank staff comments on 5076 Montauk …
Land Bank Loans Often Losers
Land Banking: An Old Idea With A … more
Subsidized Housing for Government Workers
The Genesee County Land Bank is considering offering properties … soldiers at a discount. The land bank's favored buyers would pay … percent less.
The Genesee land bank isn't the first Michigan land bank to consider subsidizing housing … than $36 million has been spent on land banking activities in the area … more
Land Bank Reform Bills In Holding Pattern
… to contest deals in which land banks acquire property before … broader issues involving land banks," a spokesman in Rep. Yonker's … governor has a work group on lank banks. We want to make sure that … together."
Under Michigan law, land banks can't buy tax reverted properties … chance at tax auctions. Land banks are supposed to get their … more
Court Grills County Over Land Bank Activities
… treasurer and the Kent County Land Bank for bypassing the public … foreclosed property to the land bank for an amount no higher than … which it was sold to the land bank. The proceeds would have …
Michigan law prohibits land banks from purchasing tax-foreclosed … and then sell it to the land bank at cost.
Investors complained … more
Bill Would Let Land Banks Buy Property Before The Public
… Senate would specify that land banks can purchase delinquent … Senate Bill 640 to allow land banks to purchase delinquent property … indication of the growing land bank empire's skill at political …
Under Michigan statute, land banks aren't supposed to purchase … of the law was to limit land bank purchases to the less desirable … more
Lawmakers Move Away From Giving Land Banks Exclusive Privileges
Land banks that purchase tax reverted property before public … in Kent County, where the land bank has bought dozens of properties … would have specified that land banks could purchase delinquent … making it even easier for land banks to dominate this portion … the language pertaining to land banks would be removed from the … more
Land Bank Funding Makes It Into Supplemental Spending Bill
… funding for the Fast Track Land Bank Authority was included in … well. The decision on the land bank funding and several other … the $1.7 million for the land bank authority to be part of the … have a better idea?' "
Land banks around the state have been … purpose instead of propping up land banking," said Audrey Spalding, … more
Legislature Split on Funding For Land Bank Authority
Senate wants to fund program; House wants to defund
… purposes to the Fast Track Land Bank Authority. The Senate wants to send the money to the Land Bank Authority, but the House … version — the $1.7 million for the Land Bank Authority was one of the … are taking a closer look at land banking," said Audrey Spalding, … and a national expert on land banks. "Michigan land banks have … more
Is 5076 Montauk Blighted?
…
However, when the Kent County Land Bank Authority acquired 5076 Montauk … acquired by any Michigan land bank is considered blighted by … bidder.
The theory behind land banks is that government needs … does not fit that bill. The land bank appears to have acquired … speculator."
But Michigan's land banking law ensures that land … more
Michigan Land Bank Demolishes Eminem's Childhood Home
More than 100 bids, but house torn down
…
Unfortunately, the Michigan Land Bank failed to sell the property and … buy the property. But the land bank halted bidding, saying that, … a safety hazard that the Land Bank is responsible for removing." … wasn't a consideration.
The land bank's failure to sell Eminem's … that the 120 or so bids the land bank received after news coverage was … more
Analysis: Genesee County Land Bank Threatens Private Property Rights
… whole new level with the Land Bank; a centerpiece of the Genesee County Urban Land Redevelopment Initiative. Utilizing … Shafran of WJRT in Flint, the Land Bank is now responsible for more … park. The Genesee County Land Bank, however, seems to go well … of the property y in the Land Bank.
According to former Genesee … more
Capitol Confidential Interview: Kent County Land Bank Executive Director Ken Parrish
… director of the Kent County Land Bank. The following is the transcript … argue that the purpose of a land bank is to manage abandoned or … is certainly one aspect of land banking, but [it] is unlikely … values of the Kent County Land Bank Authority (KCLBA) include … motivation. Is the Kent County Land Bank already becoming this type … more
'Land Bank Bailout' Is Rep. Kildee's First Bill
Congressman wants $1.9 billion for special interest projects
… at providing funding to "land banks," which are government entities … to the bill, government land banks and government corporations could … impossible for Michigan land banks to eliminate "blight," since … advocating for the expansion of land banking throughout the United … congressman started the Genesee County Land Bank, Michigan's first government … more
Kent County Considers Land Bank Changes
… recommending that the Kent County Land Bank be prohibited from purchasing … summer, the Kent County Land Bank caused a stir when it snapped … auction. By doing so, the land bank blocked redevelopment from … private market.
Moreover, the land bank spent more than $400,000 … spend.
State law prohibits land banks from acquiring property … more
Land Bank Bills Would Address Citizen, Business Complaints
… could have a way to contest land bank deals that illegally acquire … Local Government Committee. "Land banks were supposed to be able … what we've been seeing is land banks cherry-picking properties … Rapids area, the Kent County Land Bank has been getting first pick … should look over our entire land banking process. I'm not sure … more
Kent County Land Bank Circumvents Market To Fund Operations
The Kent County Land Bank is acquiring tax delinquent and abandoned …
Under Michigan statute, land banks aren't supposed to buy tax … Legislature intended to limit land bank purchases to the less desirable … buying properties for the land bank. They make the purchases … sell the properties to the land bank at cost.
Rep. Ken Yonker, … more
Kent County Taxpayers Question Land Bank
… 40 properties over to the Kent County Land Bank to prohibit private individuals … Alliance reports that the land bank spent nearly $500,000 to …
Though the ostensible purpose of land banking, which has exploded … beset by vacancy, Michigan land banks have broad powers that can be misused and abused. Land banks have the ability to borrow … more
State Supremes Rebuff Claims Government Land Bank Shortchanged Taxpayers
Uphold’s 'no standing' decision
… competition with government land bank authorities.
The plaintiffs … day in court claimed that land banks, in cooperation with the … County and the Kent County Land Bank Authority, for allegedly allowing the land bank to cherry-pick tax-foreclosed …
The investors claimed the land bank paid far less than what the … more
Land Bank Loans Often Losers
… candidate Virg Bernero was on WJR radio Thursday promoting the idea of a state bank to give select businesses loans to spur the economy. But in 2009, the Michigan … Mackinac Center for Public Policy. "This serves as a warning for the state bank. The state already has some experience making loans and it has not been … more
Genesee County Land Bank Threatens Private Property Rights
… whole new level with the Land Bank, a centerpiece of the Genesee County Urban Land Redevelopment Initiative. Utilizing … Shafran of WJRT in Flint, the Land Bank is now responsible for more … park. The Genesee County Land Bank, however, seems to go well … much of the property in the Land Bank.
According to former Genesee … more
Michigan Needs a 'State Bank'
by Michigan Sen. Hansen Clarke, D-Detroit
… Michigan should run its own bank. This idea has recently been … have already purchased the land and entered into leases to … loan.
This proposed state bank would provide our small businesses … not against the market. The bank that we are proposing would be a wholesale bank which would support our community … more
Land Banking: An Old Idea With A Poor Track Record
In Michigan, land banking is new. But in Missouri, it has a … Saint Louis City set up a land bank in response to the exodus … they left behind. When the land bank was created in 1972, the … that time, the Saint Louis land bank has amassed more than 10,000 … into the operations of the land bank found that it rejects almost … more
Racetrack Buys Property From Wayne Co. Taxpayers for $1 and Sells It for $179K
One-dollar investment may yet yield two more property sales for track owners
… Township racecourse that bought land for $1 from Wayne County less …
Pinnacle Race Course bought the land after agreeing to numerous … could not get details of the land deal on Thursday.
The land … voicemail.
The Wayne County Land Bank Authority sold the land to …
Analysis: Genesee County Land Bank Threatens Private Property … more
August 9, 2013, MichiganVotes.org Weekly Vote Report
…
House Bill 4626: Authorize land bank sanction and complaint process … for a local government “land bank” that acquired tax reverted … ruling went against the land bank and was upheld by a circuit court, the director of the land bank would have to be fired. This … cost to the Kent County land bank, as a way of circumventing … more
Property Rights Network Produces Boardman River Dam Video
… rights of individuals who own land on the dam impoundments.
Proponents … intend to turn the Boardman's banks into an extended park for picnics, … hundreds of trees along the banks to enhance the area's natural … water exposed several pieces of land that have been hollowed from … erosion. Anyone stepping on the land, unaware that it is unsupported … more
MICHIGAN CAPITOL CONFIDENTIAL
Summer 2013 Edition
… Welfare?
Michigan’s Craziest Laws: Don’t Seduce an Unmarried Woman or Dance to the National Anthem
Proposed Bill Would Provide Accountability For Land Banks
Bill Would Lessen Mandates on Landscape Architects
Legislators Steering Michigan Toward Red Light Cameras
I’m Just A Bill more
State Fairgrounds to be Sold
Delay cost state millions
… success of the project. In other words, the state (represented by its Land Bank) is still keeping something of a grip on the property and could earn additional … option to take the property back if the project falters.
Even at today's land prices, the state should have just shed the property by selling it to the … more
Detroit Fails To Collect 20 Percent of Property Taxes Owed
Other cities routinely collect 100 percent or close to it, but 'things aren’t normal in Detroit yet'
… billion.
Detroit’s property tax collection rate is not affected by parcels of land owned by the city’s land bank or by residents who are given an exemption from paying due to hardship. … more
I'm Just a BIll
… elections.
SENATE BILL 8
(Ban Wal-Mart bank)
Introduced by state Sen. John Gleason, … proposes to revise the status of certain banks in Michigan statute (specifically, … prohibit Wal-Mart from using its own bank or ILC to process credit card transactions … foreclosure of a residential mortgage or land contract for one year if the borrower … more
House GOP Action Plan Points the Way to Real Reform
Repealing prevailing wage a top priority
… should be gotten rid of.
Land Banks: “Michigan’s land banks face various problems across … development. Some county land banks have circumvented the tax … Statutory reforms to make land banks more accountable will be … the very least, the 40 lands banks in Michigan should not be able … more
Michigan data privacy legislation exempts governments
Government services could gain an advantage over private businesses
… requirements,” he said.
Examples of government-run enterprises that compete with local businesses include internet service providers, electric utilities and land banks.
Senate Bill 659 is in the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection. more
Bipartisan Senate Panel To Investigate Possible MEA Right-to-Work Violations
Teacher: '[Since dropping union] I have been subjected to intimidation, bullying and even threats to ruin my credit rating'
… hear the testimony."
Susan Bank, a former principal and current … Michigan students for 39 years," Bank said. "During that time, I … and the committee members," Bank said.
Sen. Brandenburg told … because it is the 'law of the land,' they have to accept Freedom to Work as the 'law of the land,' " Sen. Brandenburg said. … more
Michigan Legislature Can Pursue Free-Market Agenda
… licensing requirements that serve as barriers for small business creation.
Embrace emerging ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft.
Prevent county land banks from acting as development companies that cherry pick prime properties.
These proposals represent a solid free-market agenda. Accomplishing a large … more
March 23, 2012, MichiganVotes.org Weekly Roll Call
… Who Voted "No"
House Bill 4803, Sell state fairgrounds: Passed 101 to 7 in the House
To transfer the state fairgrounds in Detroit to a Michigan "Land Bank Fast Track Authority" created by the legislature in 2003, which has extensive powers to assemble and dispose of tax reverted property. Alternatively, … more
Hangar42 Studios' Incentives Raise Questions
… date.
Perhaps the deal was to be financed entirely by the seller through a land contract rather than through a commercial bank with a regular loan. If that is the case, it is effectively seller-financed … more
Bills Would Demand More Info From Filmmakers Getting Special Tax Breaks
… Mackinac Center for Public Policy story that looked into a questionable land deal has prompted two politicians to create legislation to bring more transparency … auction of movie memorabilia in Michigan and donated the money to a local food bank in the Grand Rapids area.
Catered meals on sets are eligible. The cost … more
Commentary: Shifting School Employees to a 401(k) Is the Most Important Thing
… hikes coming down the pike. Actually, they’re already here: Last year, the Land of Lincoln passed a 67-percent income tax increase and a massive business … others agree. (Littmann is the former senior vice president for Comerica Bank and one of the most respected economists in the state; he is also senior … more
May 24, 2013, MichiganVotes.org Weekly Vote Report
Bills on wetland use, forest property tax breaks
… authority, authorize grants to local governments to create “wetland mitigation banks,” slightly reduce wetland regulatory burdens imposed on county drain commission … the scope those required by federal law, and make other changes to these land use restrictions.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
House Bill 4042, … more
Bill Grants Big Businesses Power to Raise Taxes in 'Business Improvement Zones'
State Rep: 'Corporate welfare is a bipartisan issue'
… Licensing Mandate On Dieticians, Nutritionists
Bill Would Lessen Mandates On Landscape Architects
Proposed Bill Would Provide Accountability For Land Banks
Bill Would Increase Portion of Public Employee Health Care Cap
Minimum Wage Increase - A Serious Effort Or Just Rhetoric?
Bill Would Allow Community … more
March 7, 2014, MichiganVotes Weekly Vote Report
… Steelcase "Pyramid" building for a loosely defined, education-related "public/private partnership," along with other spending including more money for "land banks." The bill would also authorize $60.3 million in new debt for state college and university construction projects.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted … more
How We Use FOIA to Hold Government Accountable
Happy ‘Sunshine Week’ 2017
… law, instead basing pay strictly on degree-level and seniority. We learned of this through FOIA requests we sent to school districts.
The Detroit Land Bank’s blight demolition program has come under scrutiny and was subject to a federal investigation for wasted funds and inefficiencies. An open records … more
The Student Debt Problem is Widely Misunderstood – Here Are Some Solutions
Student loan debt is around $1.5 trillion
… have completed advanced degrees. They will likely be fine. Maybe they won’t land their dream job, but they’re still highly employable and will be able to … today, adjusted for inflation. According to a study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, for every $1 in federal loans and grants, schools have increased … more
Big Labor Fights Against Lansing Entrepreneurs … and Virg Bernero?
… of the contamination. The property sits on the bank of the Grand River, five blocks from the state … Aquilina ruled that he had held up his end of the land purchase contract and awarded the brownfield package … a privately-owned apartment complex on private land. Fisher believes the Lansing City Council's attempt … more
How Fees Fuel Big Government
… for a one-time transfer of $15.0 million of the unreserved balance of the Land Survey and Remonumentation Fund to the General Fund."
"General Fund" is …
But money for the protection of property rights is far from the only piggy bank that has been raided by lawmakers. Here is another from earlier this month, … more
March 30, 2012, MichiganVotes.org Weekly Roll Call
… Voted "No"
House Bill 4803, Sell state fairgrounds: Passed 34 to 4 in the Senate
To transfer the state fairgrounds in Detroit to a Michigan "Land Bank Fast Track Authority" created by the legislature in 2003, which has extensive powers to assemble and dispose of tax reverted property. Alternatively, … more
June 14, 2013, MichiganVotes.org Weekly Vote Report
Votes on Medicaid and state budget
… authority, authorize grants to local governments to create “wetland mitigation banks,” slightly reduce wetland regulatory burdens imposed on county drain commission … scope of those required by federal law, and make other changes to these land use restrictions.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
House Bill 4743, … more
How Fees Fuel Big Government
… for a one-time transfer of $15.0 million of the unreserved balance of the Land Survey and Remonumentation Fund to the General Fund.”
“General Fund” is …
But money for the protection of property rights is far from the only piggy bank that has been raided by lawmakers. Here is another from earlier this month, … more
Like CapCon on Facebook
Follow CapCon on X