JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, has presented Senate Bill 424 to the Local Government and Elections Committee. The measure would allow the formation of a land bank agency that could acquire abandoned or tax-delinquent properties in St. Joseph and transform them into productive real estate.
“The St. Joseph Land Bank will provide the tools needed to bring new purpose to real estate that is not currently contributing to the community,” Sen. Luetkemeyer said. “This approach has proved successful in Kansas City and elsewhere. It’s our hope we can replicate those results in St. Joseph and continue to address abandoned and distressed properties in the city.”
The public agency authorized by this legislation would acquire real estate primarily through delinquent tax sales and private donations. The land bank will not have eminent domain powers or taxing authority and would only acquire properties when no private buyers have come forward. The St. Joseph Land Bank Agency would not be allowed to own property outside the city limits.
Originally established in 1843, St. Joseph is home to many older neighborhoods and historic properties. One witness who testified in favor of SB 424 reported that as many as 5,000 properties in the city currently sit vacant. These neglected buildings present public safety issues and contribute to the overall decline of older neighborhoods.
“The city of St. Joseph is blessed with many wonderful historic structures,” Sen. Luetkemeyer said. “This measure provides a commonsense way for the community to make use of those lands and buildings when private resources have failed.”
For more information about Sen. Luetkemeyer, visit www.senate.mo.gov/luetkemeyer.