Number
101562
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
100508
Sponsor
ALD. HAMILTON
Title
Resolution modifying the pilot program for City homeowners affected by the July 22, 2010 flood to authorize the City to accept title from non-participants for properties where the house has or will be demolished by the City due to the flood damage.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the City to accept title to properties where a raze order was issued by the Department of Neighborhood Services due to the July 22, 2010 flood, but the property owner did not participate or was not eligible for the pilot program to purchase City-owned, tax-deed houses.
Body
Whereas, By adoption of Common Council File No. 100508, the City of Milwaukee (“City”) created a pilot program to assist City homeowners whose homes were to be demolished as a result of the July 22, 2010 flood; and
Whereas, The pilot program permitted qualified owner-occupants to acquire a City-owned, tax-deed home for a minimal cost to replace their flood-damaged homes and established guidelines for such purchases, including accepting title to their vacant lot after demolition; and
Whereas, Several qualified owner-occupants did not repair the flood damage, but elected to not participate in the pilot program and the homes have been or will be demolished by the Department of Neighborhood Services (“DNS”); and
Whereas, Several investor owners, who were not eligible for the pilot program, also did not make repairs and DNS has or will raze these homes pursuant to raze orders issued as a result of the flood damage; and
Whereas, To prevent additional hardship to these property owners and to ensure continued property maintenance, the City could accept clear title to the properties; and
Whereas, Prior to accepting title, the City would require that the properties be conveyed free and clear of liens and encumbrances, but excluding 2011 property taxes, DNS raze charges and other municipal charges related to the July 22, 2010 flood; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the pilot program to assist City property owners affected by the July 22, 2010 flood is modified to permit the City to accept title to the flood-damaged property from qualified owner-occupants or investors prior to demolition by DNS or to the vacant lot after demolition when clear title can be provided to the City; and, be it
Further Resolved, That after acquisition, the Department of City Development shall evaluate the properties and shall recommend to the local Common Council member whether the vacant lots should be held permanently in inventory or be made available as green space for adjoining owners.
Drafter
DCD/Real Estate
DKE:dke
04/12/11/A