Mow to Own program proposed in St. Louis
Two St. Louis officials, Alderwoman Cara Spencer and Alderman Chris Carter, have proposed a plan that would help solve some of the issues facing the city's neighborhoods.
The lawmakers suggest a “mow-to-own” program for the city, whereby neighbors who agree to take care of vacant lots owned by the city could eventually buy them.
The St. Louis initiative is patterned after one recently enacted in Memphis, but other cities have them in place as well, including Columbus, Ohio and Rockford, Illinois. The way the program typically works is that neighbors agree to care for empty lots, for which they earn a $25 credit every time they cut the grass. The money goes toward the assessed value of the property.
Most of the cities that have the program in place require the caretakers to mow the grass at least once every two weeks during the warmer months. Once the weather cools off, neighbors can do other types of upkeep, and earn more credits toward the purchase of the lot.
The Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) would identify the properties to be offered under the program. Most are left over from government auctions, and cost the city about $3m per year to mow. In addition, the majority of the lots are located near someone who would like to own them. This program would make that possible.
City officials might consider creating brochures about the program, and mailing them to residents.
The lawmakers suggest a “mow-to-own” program for the city, whereby neighbors who agree to take care of vacant lots owned by the city could eventually buy them.
The St. Louis initiative is patterned after one recently enacted in Memphis, but other cities have them in place as well, including Columbus, Ohio and Rockford, Illinois. The way the program typically works is that neighbors agree to care for empty lots, for which they earn a $25 credit every time they cut the grass. The money goes toward the assessed value of the property.
Most of the cities that have the program in place require the caretakers to mow the grass at least once every two weeks during the warmer months. Once the weather cools off, neighbors can do other types of upkeep, and earn more credits toward the purchase of the lot.
The Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) would identify the properties to be offered under the program. Most are left over from government auctions, and cost the city about $3m per year to mow. In addition, the majority of the lots are located near someone who would like to own them. This program would make that possible.
City officials might consider creating brochures about the program, and mailing them to residents.