Number
140326
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. STAMPER
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Department of City Development to implement a pilot program to sell vacant, City-owned residential lots in the 15th Aldermanic District for $1.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of City Development to implement a pilot program to sell vacant, City-owned residential lots in the 15th Aldermanic District for $1. The pilot program will operate as follows:
1. The pilot program shall be limited to the sale of residentially-zoned vacant lots.
2. Each lot shall be offered at a purchase price of $1 to owners of adjacent properties, provided the owners are City of Milwaukee residents.
3. If both adjacent properties are owned by City of Milwaukee residents and both owners are interested in purchasing the vacant lot, the lot may be divided into 2 equal parts, with each half being sold for $1.
4. Every buyer shall be in good standing with the City and meet the "General Buyer Policies" of s. 304-49-8 of the Code of Ordinances.
5. Lots shall be sold on the condition that they remain taxable after sale.
6. DCD Real Estate is authorized to sell properties under this initiative subject to approval by the local Common Council member.
This resolution also requires the Department of City Development to provide a written report on the status and activities of this program to the Common Council within 6 months of adoption of the resolution.
...Body
Whereas, Vacant, City-owned lots often have a blighting influence on surrounding properties and neighborhoods; and
Whereas, Because the City is responsible for grass-cutting and snow removal for the lots it owns, vacant, City-owned lots are a drain on the City's financial resources; and
Whereas, Vacant, City-owned lots also harm the City's fiscal condition in that they do not generate property tax revenue for the City; and
Whereas, By selling vacant, City-owned lots to owners of adjacent properties, the City can return the lots to the tax rolls and increase the likelihood that the lots will be well-maintained by caring owners; and
Whereas, Because of the foreclosure-related housing crisis, the post-2008 recession, and the related phenomena of increasing numbers of City in rem acquisitions of tax-delinquent properties and an accelerated pace of housing demolitions, the number of vacant, City-owned residential lots has been growing rapidly in recent years; and
Whereas, The City currently owns over 2,700 vacant residential lots, with a disproportionately large number (approximately 15%) being located in the 15th Aldermanic District; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of City Development is directed to implement a pilot program to sell vacant, City-owned residential lots in the 15th Aldermanic District for $1; and, be it
Further Resolved, That this pilot program shall operate as follows:
1. The pilot program shall be limited to the sale of residentially-zoned vacant lots.
2. Each lot shall be offered at a purchase price of $1 to owners of adjacent properties, provided the owners are City of Milwaukee residents.
3. If both adjacent properties are owned by City of Milwaukee residents and both owners are interested in purchasing the vacant lot, the lot may be divided into 2 equal parts, with each half being sold for $1.
4. Every buyer shall be in good standing with the City and meet the "General Buyer Policies" of s. 304-49-8 of the Code of Ordinances.
5. Lots shall be sold on the condition that they remain taxable after sale.
6. DCD Real Estate is authorized to sell properties under this initiative subject to approval by the local Common Council member.
; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of City Development shall provide a written report on the status and activities of this program to the Common Council within 6 months of adoption of this resolution.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB152752-3
Jeff Osterman
06/17/2014