Mayor Greg Ballard and U.S. Rep. Andre Carson today announced the city's intention to target $29 million in federal funds toward 11 inner-city and Eastside communities to battle the effects of home foreclosures and abandoned houses.

The areas chosen, mostly in the middle of the city between 56th Street and Hannah Avenue, were identified with statistics about vacancy rates, the density of foreclosures and the foreclosure risk.

The city also kicked off a public comment period of 15 days to get input on how the funds should be distributed. City officials said the plan won’t be finalized until after a public meeting in January, with the first projects after that.

Broadly, the money will be split between buying properties for the Indianapolis Land Bank and nonprofit redevelopment groups, demolition efforts and some new construction and affordable rental unit development.


Ballard, a Republican, said the funds are coming when the city needs them most. Carson, a Democrat, said he wanted to turn foreclosed homes into more affordable housing options.