Through property acquisition, title clearing and land assembly, the Land Bank helps remove barriers for reinvestment opportunities. These efforts support neighborhood stabilization, economic development and community-driven reuse — ensuring land is positioned for housing, business expansion, greening or future redevelopment.
Turning Vacancy into Opportunity
Left untouched, vacant land can limit growth, create maintenance challenges and hinder neighborhood stability. The Land Bank works with property owners, local governments and the courts to acquire parcels that are no longer productive and prepare them for reuse.
Once acquired, properties may be held, assembled, transferred or improved, depending on community needs and redevelopment potential. This flexible approach enables us to address both immediate neighborhood concerns and long-term planning goals.
Side Lot Program
The Land Bank’s Side Lot Program encourages residents of owner-occupied homes to request certain adjacent vacant lots, helping reduce blight while expanding usable yard space.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, the vacant lot must share 50 percent or more of a common boundary with an applicant’s property. Some vacant lots will not be available as side lots when housing or community development is anticipated or underway.
- Be current on all property taxes owed to Mahoning County
- Be in compliance with all local housing and property codes
- Not have been a defendant in a property tax foreclosure action
If the lot is already in the Land Bank’s inventory, a transfer to an eligible applicant may be completed in eight to 12 weeks.
If the lot is not yet owned by the Land Bank, a successful property tax foreclosure action is required. This court process typically takes nine to 12 months before the lot can be transferred.
To request a side lot or inquire about eligibility, please call (330) 259-1040 and select Option 1.
Partner Spotlight: Avalon Downtown Pizzeria
What may appear to be a simple land transfer can have a lasting impact.
Avalon Downtown Pizzeria on Federal Street in Youngstown experienced a decline in foot traffic during nearby construction that limited access to its main entrance. While working with the City of Youngstown, the owners discovered a long-forgotten vacant lot behind the restaurant.
By partnering with the Land Bank, Avalon was able to acquire the abandoned parcel, which was vacant for decades, and create a new rear entrance. The process was straightforward for the Land Bank, but transformational for the locally owned business, restoring access and supporting its long-term success.
Vacant Land Requests
The Land Bank also accepts requests for vacant land beyond side lots, including parcels suitable for future housing, business expansion, greening or community use. Proposes uses must be consistent with current zoning requirements, or else waivers for nonconforming use must be obtained as a condition of transfer.