Ohio will become the first state in the country to ban plywood on some abandoned and vacant properties when a new law goes into effect April 4, 2017.
Governor John Kasich signed a bill into law earlier this year that applies to banks filing expedited foreclosures on vacant properties. Banks will no longer be able to board up those buildings with plywood. Instead, high-tech plastic will need to be used, called clear boarding.
Slavic Village Development has been using plastic on their properties for several years while rehabbing properties. "When you use plywood it's easy to get in there," said Chris Alvarado, Executive Director of Slavic Village Development.
Alvarado also said there has been a decrease in crimes involving vacant properties in the area.
