Foreclosures and Delinquent Mortgages Remain Low in CLTs in 2009

Homeowners in Community Land Trusts across the nation continue to have substantially lower delinquency and foreclosure rates than owners of market-rate homes, according to survey results. Results from the survey found that conventional howeowners were 8 times more likely to be in the process of foreclosure than CLT homeowners at the end of the 4th quarter of 2009. When the percentages of "seriously delinquent" mortgages for the end of 2009 were calculated, the Mortgage Bankers Association survey percentages ranged from 5.4% to 30.6% compared to only 1.6% in CLTs. To view the complete CLT Network press release, go to http://www.cltnetwork.org/doc_library/p308-2009-foreclosure-survey-pr-final.pdf

RBCLT developed Cherokee Real art garden in 2009

In collaboration with the Urban Green Space group, RBCLT is working with neighbors to develop a green space that involving growing food and art, the result will be stronger community, improved nutrition and a more independent, local food supply. RBCLT beautified a vacant lot and created Cherokee Real, a public art community garden and plaza.

Red Brick Community Land Trust Initiates 'St. Louis Affordable Housing 2009-2010'

Over the next 18 months, RBCLT is renovating six homes in the Cherokee Street area in south St. Louis for limited-income families. RBCLT will develop six affordable homes--3 for families below 80% area median income ($43,450 for a family of two) and 3 for families below 60% area median income ($32,600 for a family of two). The foreclosure crisis has impacted the these neighborhoods in south St. Louis to such an extent that in one study, a 9-block area had 195 foreclosures out of 350 properties for sale in 2008. In response to large numbers of vacant foreclosed properties in the Benton Park West and Dutchtown areas, RBCLT will update foreclosed properties and help low-income families purchase them. The goal is to sell the homes in the $70,000 to $95,000 range.

RBCLT completes two for-sale homes in Soulard in 2009

With the support of the Affordable Housing Commission, RBCLT completed two homes in Soulard for limited-income families. One is a 4 bedroom and the other is a 2-bedroom. The two-bedroom incorporated many universal design and energy-efficiency concepts. Some of the handicapped-accessibililty features include a ramped rear entrance, lower light switches and accessible bathroom. A high efficiency furnance and A/C, insulation and no-VOC paints are a few of the green ideas incorporated into these affordable homes. The two-bedroom is expected to close on the sale in November 2009.

Public Input Into Cleanup Continues Until Jan. 11, 2008

Red Brick Community Land Trust with the support of a grant from the EIERA held a public meeting Nov. 14, 2007 on the cleanup of a brownfield (former gas station) site at Tucker and Soulard Streets. The analysis of cleanup alternatives and other project information is available and public comment on the cleanup was taken at the meeting.

The analysis of cleanup alternatives and other information regarding the project may be viewed at the above location or at the EIERA's offices at 325 Jefferson St., Jefferson City, MO during normal business hours. The analysis of cleanup alternatives may also be viewed at the EIERA's website www.dnr.mo.gov/eiera. Public comment on the clean up will be accepted until Jan. 11, 2008 and may be submitted in writing to the above address or e-mailed to markrby@yahoo.com.

Red Brick Community Land Trust Gets Grant To Clean Up Brownfield

YouthBuild students pose with the check presented by the Missouri Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority. The $65,000 grant is the first one issued by the agency.
From left, Sarah Coffin, RBCLT president and SLU professor, Missouri Sen. Maida Coleman, EIERA Board member Robert Kramer, and Kristin Allen, development director of EIERA, at Thursday's check presentation at 1805 S. Tucker. Sen. Coleman wrote a letter of support for Red Brick Community Land Trust's efforts to clean up the contaminated site.