This page is devoted to a discussion of what Ohio laws or policies are hindering or helping the revitalization of urban areas. What can be done to remove roadblocks? What policies are working?

March 7—Plain Dealer Metro page article covered a panel of land-use experts discussing state policy reform to spur urban revitalization. Panelists said suburban communities are still resistance to higher density and affordable housing. They also complained about the cost of buying and cleaning up urban property so it can be redeveloped, and fortifying old sewers and waterlines to handle dense new construction.

Beachwood lawyer Sheldon Berns, who serves as counsel on a number of zoning cases, said the state should have one central agency with the power and money to overcome those problems.

Jan. 7, 2007—Ohio passes state historic rehabilitation tax credit, a two-year pilot project that credits 25% of the cost of the rehab (can be used in conjunction with federal historic tax credit).

Resources
Greater Ohio Candidates' Briefing Book: Policies for Redeveloping a Great State — Fall 2006 published version (PDF 3 MB). A great backgrounder on policies to move Ohio forward — policies that resonate with voters.

Ohio Department of Development Job Ready Sites Program