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CASS COUNTY — Thanks to a grant secured by the Cass County Land Bank Authority, leaders at the Church of Cassopolis were able to solve a problem they have been working to solve for more than a decade.

The former church building at 520 Pearl St. in Cassopolis is one of seven buildings set to be demolished as part of Round 3 of the State Land Bank Authority’s Blight Elimination Program. 

Hope Anderson, Cass County Treasurer and chair of the Cass County Land Bank Authority, said the local land bank is utilizing funds to address seven vacant and blighted residential and commercial structures throughout the County.

“All of these properties have been abandoned for a year or more, with utilities, plumbing, heating, and sewage systems either disconnected, destroyed, or rendered ineffective,” Anderson said. “One of these properties, the former People’s Protestant Church building, unused for over a decade, has fallen into severe disrepair, with a caving roof causing further structural deterioration. The building had to be boarded up due to squatters, and it has become a habitat for animals and pests, creating unsafe conditions for nearby residents.”

Pastor Eric Williams, who has been with the People’s Protestant Church for nearly 28 years, said he is grateful Anderson reached out with the opportunity, as the church has been working to find a way to demolish the structure for many years. In 2005, the church erected a new structure and for a while, used the older building for Sunday School services and a food pantry, but the building has been vacant for a decade or more.

He said demolishing the structure will enable the Church to expand its parking lot and improve the overall experience for churchgoers and the surrounding neighborhood.

“I would love to say thank you for helping us accomplish and move forward in a project we’ve been wanting for so long but just couldn’t find the right person or the right company to tear it down,” he said. “Raising money in 2024-2025 at a church is not as easy as it was 20 to 30 years ago.”

Anderson said the Cass County Land Bank Authority recognizes the urgent need to address these issues to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

“Through this partnership with local units of government, community stakeholders, and the State Land Bank Authority, the Cass County Land Bank is taking immediate action to mitigate safety hazards, stabilize neighborhoods, and contribute to the revitalization of Cass County,” she said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with our local partners to achieve shared goals of alleviating blight and enhancing our community. Demolition efforts funded by the grant are expected to improve the quality of life for Cass County residents and support future opportunities for redevelopment in these areas.”