Hartsville to offer funds for demolition of 'blighted' homes

HARTSVILLE, SC (WMBF) If you own a dilapidated house in Hartsville, you may soon be eligible to receive partial funding for demolition of the property from the city.

The Hartsville City Council has provided a $20,000 grant to the newly-formed Hartsville Community Development Foundation to use for a Residential Demolition Assistance Program, according to a release from the city.

Though the program is still in its planning phases, when the owner of an identified "blighted" property agrees to participate, the City will work with the Foundation to hire a contractor to demolish and clear away the condemned structure or structures, the release states. The property owner retains ownership of the cleared lots.

"The Hartsville Community Development Foundation is excited about the opportunity to partner with the City of Hartsville to facilitate Hartsville's new Residential Demolition Assistance Program, which offers participating property owners much-needed financial support and, at the same time, provides the City with support it needs to streamline and expedite the processes involved," says Curtis Lee, chair of the Hartsville Community Development Foundation.

Tune in to WMBF News at 6 p.m. for a full report from WMBF News' Brennan Somers.

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Hartsville to offer funds for demolition of 'blighted' homes