I think having a large high school on probably what would otherwise be the most valuable land in the city is a massive hit to the community. Not being from here, I feel I can say that but I know that Muncie Central has some emotional connections. What could the city do with that land that would allow increased tax revenue and development that would change the community?
Also, the draft comprehensive plan calls for infill development on Walnut and Main streets in the heart of the downtown not at the school. There is also a regional plan calling for new housing in the old residential neighborhood directly east of the school
Since every derelict property that was offered during the Delaware County property tax sale this year sold, for the first time in Muncie history, I thought, "Great! Muncie is growing!". Unfortunately I later learned that most of these properties were purchased by big pocket investors from other states who simply need a tax write off. They will do nothing with these properties, they may never even come to Muncie to see them. This is a HUGE PROBLEM for Muncie that needs to be addressed! It creates an opportunity for squatters, meth-cooking operations, and just plain blight. When Vancouver had a similar problem of absentee owners, they simply added a Vacancy Tax to the property taxes of any property that had been vacant for a year or more. It worked: the absentee property owners either rented or sold their properties, eliminating the blocks and blocks of empty houses in Vancouver. Since it's an Indiana State law that the property taxes on single family homes can only be 1% of the property value, and duplexes, etc, can only be 2% of the property value, it needs to be brought to the Governor's attention that the Indiana blight (in several cities and towns, not just Muncie) needs to be addressed to clean up the entire mess. Delaware County is said to be the methamphetamine capital of the USA. Let's change that! Changing derelict properties into renovated homes for rent or for sale will change neighborhoods, raise property values, and raise more tax money for Muncie!
I think having a large high school on probably what would otherwise be the most valuable land in the city is a massive hit to the community. Not being from here, I feel I can say that but I know that Muncie Central has some emotional connections. What could the city do with that land that would allow increased tax revenue and development that would change the community?
It has been reported that the YMCA plans to build a new facility on the grounds of Central HS
The Y should stand alone, not on public education. Their charter takes in the poor, yet they want on public places while being members only.
Also, the draft comprehensive plan calls for infill development on Walnut and Main streets in the heart of the downtown not at the school. There is also a regional plan calling for new housing in the old residential neighborhood directly east of the school
Since every derelict property that was offered during the Delaware County property tax sale this year sold, for the first time in Muncie history, I thought, "Great! Muncie is growing!". Unfortunately I later learned that most of these properties were purchased by big pocket investors from other states who simply need a tax write off. They will do nothing with these properties, they may never even come to Muncie to see them. This is a HUGE PROBLEM for Muncie that needs to be addressed! It creates an opportunity for squatters, meth-cooking operations, and just plain blight. When Vancouver had a similar problem of absentee owners, they simply added a Vacancy Tax to the property taxes of any property that had been vacant for a year or more. It worked: the absentee property owners either rented or sold their properties, eliminating the blocks and blocks of empty houses in Vancouver. Since it's an Indiana State law that the property taxes on single family homes can only be 1% of the property value, and duplexes, etc, can only be 2% of the property value, it needs to be brought to the Governor's attention that the Indiana blight (in several cities and towns, not just Muncie) needs to be addressed to clean up the entire mess. Delaware County is said to be the methamphetamine capital of the USA. Let's change that! Changing derelict properties into renovated homes for rent or for sale will change neighborhoods, raise property values, and raise more tax money for Muncie!