Illinois city uses data to delay demolition

A geographical analysis of an area demolition delay list shows more than 80 percent of the properties are located in the Illinois city of Springfield, a report by The State-Journal Register says. The data could help save costs on demolition and slow the loss of potential landmarks.

The data was completed by Planning Specialist Jordan Leaf of the Springfield-Sagamon County Regional Planning Commission using a geographic information system (GIS).

According to the report, Leaf also analyzed neighborhood factors that created needless demolition in the areas of Enos Park, downtown Springfield, Old Aristocracy Hill and Vinegar Hill neighborhoods. Among the common factors he found when it came to the risk of demolition included renter occupation, falling property values, construction prior to 1940 and lower median income compared with the city overall.

Out of 613 properties on the demolition delay list in the city, 513 were in Enos Park, downtown, Old Aristocracy Hill and Vinegar Hill. The remainder was spread throughout nine older neighborhoods, the report says.

The Springfield Historic Sites Commission is notified if a demolition permit is sought for a property on the list, the report says. An automatic 60-day delay is put into place and can be extended if a potential buyer appears. On the reverse side, expedited demolition can occur if a site contains health and safety hazards. According to the report, demolition plans for an already-designated historic landmark must be reviewed by the commission.

According to the report, if a site can be determined if its fit for demolition or restoration faster, costs could be kept down.