Changing the community One Property at a Time

Rex Adams said the organization started as a movement to improve the community.

“Dan Disney stopped by my house and told me he just saw a guy chasing a woman down the street with a knife,” he said. “He said, 'We have to do something to change the direction of our community.' So, some of us got together and we decided we were going to try to change our community one property at a time.”

Adams said the group that came together decided the community had grown complacent with decline and accepting in the way it was. Four of the volunteers pooled their money to buy the first property that was in foreclosure. They demolished the dilapidated home, and it is currently the site of Midwest Bargain Warehouse, a business on the main street in Blue Springs.

The city became involved, and since the organization’s inception they have taken 44 houses down. Once the house is demolished, the lot is cleaned up and, after the proper steps, is given to anyone who has begins construction on a basement or foundation for a home.

“We have lost almost $300,000 in valuation but gained almost $1.6 million. There are three houses on the books to build right now. We have helped with cleaning up, painting and maintaining around 160 properties. We don’t just tear down houses, we’re trying to rebuild a community,” Adams said.

Around 15 volunteers keep the organization active and are continuing to work on improvements in the park and surrounding area.

"We have our '70s Club.' All the volunteers are 70-plus years old, but they get things done,” he said.

One Property at a Time is a 501(c)3 and is always looking for volunteers and funding opportunities.

“Our nonprofit relies on grants from the Thomas Foundation, the Morris Foundation, the Gage County Visitors Fund and the Norris Round-up. We are extremely thankful to the people that will help communities change their direction,” Adams said.

Jodi Adams, Rex’s wife, has written several grants to help with other improvements.

The micro-TIF (tax increment financing) that is just beginning will allow residential homes for up to $350,000. Adams talked about the formula used for figuring the incentive.

“If your building permit is for $220,000 and your lot costs $2,000, it means the TIF would be about $218,000. The taxes would be around $3,700 a year and you pay the county. The state pays you around $58,000 over the course of 15 years,” he explained.

He noted that Blue Springs was not unique to the landscape of rural Nebraska.

“I’ve had villages and communities come to me to ask about our model. I always tell them to find dedicated communities members that want change,” he said.

Gage County Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson said the calls for service for the Blue Springs are have steadily decreased over the years, as well.

Adams noted that there are investment opportunities in the community.

“A few years ago, we couldn’t find anyone who would invest in our community. I believe that we have been extremely successful. We’re extremely excited about the future because there are a lot of positives in the Blue Springs area,” Adams said.