3 more houses coming down in blight program

The city is scheduling three more Columbus homes for demolition after their owners agreed to participate in a blight-elimination program.
Structures at 506 Smith St., 48 S. Hinman St. and 300 S. Beatty St. in Columbus are the latest to be scheduled for demolition in the coming months, said Robin S. Hilber, Columbus Community Development programs coordinator.
The city has awarded contracts for demolition of three other structures next week, the first three approved for the blight-elimination program since Mayor Jim Lienhoop took office.
Those homes being demolished are at 2020 Sixth St., 1468 Union St. and 1462 California St., Hilber said.
Funding for the demolitions is being provided by a $760,000 grant the city received in August 2014 through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority to be used to acquire and demolish blighted homes and prepare the lots for future construction.

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