As we have been in the past, the Cuyahoga Land Bank was recently tapped by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor to assist law enforcement by acquiring and demolishing a property.  Last week, the Cuyahoga Land Bank, working with Prosecutor Timothy McGinty, executed papers to receive the house owned by Ariel Castro who plead guilty to a range of charges.  Part of that plea included the forfeiture of his house to the Cuyahoga Land Bank.     Because of the high-profile nature of this case and the heinousness of the crime, it was important that we move quickly.  When, the Cuyahoga Land Bank took title to the property, it conducted all professional inspections and surveys and worked with law enforcement officials in order to remove this negative monument to the surrounding area.  Cuyahoga Land Bank Director of Acquisitions, Disposition and Development Cheryl Stephens oversaw the demolition, ensuring that all the necessary protocols were consistent with law enforcement guidelines and U.S. EPA guidelines.     “We take these responsibilities extremely seriously and are pleased to have been available to Prosecutor Timothy McGinty and law enforcement officials to do what was necessary to help the community heal,” said Stephens.
“The Land Bank is pleased to have been available to assist law enforcement officials in this matter,” said Cuyahoga Land Bank President and General Counsel Gus Frangos.   The Cuyahoga Land Bank has also acquired two vacant neighboring homes and is preparing them for demolition.  Frangos said that once all of the homes on the site are demolished, the Land Bank will look to the local Council representative, the victims, the community and the leadership of the Prosecutor regarding the future disposition and reuse of the property.