Sumter Wins $3.4 Million Grant to Demolish Dilapidated Houses

SUMTER, S.C. – The City of Sumter and its partner, the Santee-Lynches Regional Development Corporation have been awarded $3.4 Million by the South Carolina State Housing Authority under its Neighborhood Initiative Program (NIP).  The award will facilitate the purchase and demolition of approximately 100 blighted structures in the City’s most at-risk neighborhoods.

“This demolition program will safeguard property values and stem foreclosures in Sumter”, said Mayor Joseph McElveen. “It serves to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our citizens.”

The City of Sumter has identified approximately 557 blighted structures within the City limits.

“The Santee-Lynches Regional Development Corporation is pleased to support this program.  It represents a valuable investment that will improve quality of life both in Sumter and the Santee-Lynches Region.” stated Dr. Michael Mikota, Executive Director of the Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments.

The Goal of the Neighborhood Initiative Program is to stabilize property values through the removal of blighted properties in strategically targeted areas.  NIP is a joint venture of the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority and the SC Housing Corp., a not-for-profit corporation.  NIP is made possible by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

For more information regarding the demolition program, contact City-County Planning Director George McGregor at 774-1660.