[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6508826,"mediaKeyId","5460495-bbdddb1328113fbd236fdf145d5826c1","parentId",5460495,"title","Land Bank approves tax exonerations for two parcels to clear titles for sale","audioSeconds",95,"startMs",3488000,"endMs",3583000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460495-bbdddb1328113fbd236fdf145d5826c1&start=3488&end=3583","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460495-bbdddb1328113fbd236fdf145d5826c1/thumbnail_3488000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6508826/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Land-Bank-approves-tax-exonerations-for-two-parcels-to-clear-titles-for-sale","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6508826-379049f35a85a92b377a9662113a0ff2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771050651&Signature=Uqf55j1brunXMIMyYsii-5UBw5TcWIQNjIU1IGsToh9K~2vO1HKhB8clFXY2JscA~ZKxOZTAL-sfKaNHtZvR4xpH8u5bmvMeT8aVl4~UAz5TLymJ24TTnRuqSGZ1JZ5SOc5PqIX9OSbYUpMtMta9ymLkbLgeVqpdhZ5Ap5Ry82yK7eV6l2Eop5ukvzaOZW5h32s9H1zXbpFgOhMO5TWS4n~~dROsahaKPePoI-EQ8kJcR4PUxp8~sOClfNjFaFW8jUigfH7yz0AXpA-NvF5rR8YIfpY44xCnLULyMk9p2MnQlmclhKLL7mFTaXuEwjmdIUjnHc9jJlHDKr3mwIysmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Erie, PA","date","2025-07-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Erie Land Bank passed a resolution July 21 to exonerate city and county property taxes on two parcels, a housekeeping move intended to clear outstanding taxes so those properties can be prepared for sale or closing.

The executive director said the resolution covers 427 Liberty Street and 520 East Fifth Street and follows the land bank’s usual process: after the board approves exoneration the item is forwarded to the school district for its action as required by local practice. Board members approved the resolution by voice vote; the meeting transcript records the motion as carried with no opposition.

Staff said tax exoneration approvals will likely remain a recurring agenda item as the land bank continues to prepare properties for sale and to keep closings on track.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Erie Land Bank Meeting - July 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Erie Land Bank approved a resolution to exonerate city and county taxes for 427 Liberty Street and 520 East Fifth Street to facilitate closings and title clearance.","taxTitle","Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania","taxId",2967,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6508830,"Land Bank conditionally approves offer for 1029 E. 20th; buyer must show proof of funds in 10 days",354,3129000,3483000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460495-bbdddb1328113fbd236fdf145d5826c1&start=3129&end=3483","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460495-bbdddb1328113fbd236fdf145d5826c1/thumbnail_3129000.jpg","/articles/6508830/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Land-Bank-conditionally-approves-offer-for-1029-E-20th-buyer-must-show-proof-of-funds-in-10-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6508830-20a504085d4d16282f819f6ead8ac95e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771050651&Signature=DsTsfbKT6jqxaHLz78QUB4T13Q9tok7Z3bYJT5VLAXjp~OD7f~YOoBSaxZBpgb3ejooRsdSTufP9C-OK0aaTDr56uc~GGDb3PYPLFV6Dnm9gDS1EroQdzJ~EjuNsCOTceL3sMHktq20cC80MVePUcY8zKmgFy87cw4oOoMrapUduxn5ss0Aw1Vq2IRgPhKXZAJ8nfAE7TRZfCq9EJtmEgMWwUf~IhFXawRtTDjCKboy2DawYh0V3KG2PSth0z-CkV9AbjvGL1PiRYgpFJV0acKPxfi1KjT8GMQ4tbqoMsE6iRcCiTUncyhk13ECeaMhgA3quua6Q~KA4gApxURDltw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Erie Land Bank voted July 21 to approve a sale proposal for 1029 East 20th Street on the condition that the buyer provide proof of funds within 10 days, board members said.

The board reviewed an offer from Erica Schroeder to buy the property for $20,000 and rehabilitate it for her daughter to live in. The listing agent reported the lot had been shown about 25 times and this was the only proposal received. The land bank’s standard terms for development proposals include a $10,000 development escrow and an ongoing $150-per-month development fee, the executive director said.

Board members raised questions about the submission. Counsel and staff noted the development plan provided with the proposal appeared to list electrical, plumbing and HVAC work that did not show licensed contractors on the face of the plan; the board asked staff to verify licensing. The land bank’s counsel and staff also said the motion should be contingent on receipt of proof of funds to complete the purchase and rehabilitation. A board member suggested a 10-day deadline to avoid holding the property off the market for months while buyers secure financing.

A motion to approve the proposal with a requirement that the buyer provide proof of funds within 10 days carried by voice vote; meeting minutes record the vote as favorable with no opposition. If the buyer fails to produce proof of funds within the deadline, staff said the offer will not proceed and the property will remain listed.","The board accepted a $20,000 proposal for 1029 East 20th Street conditioned on the buyer providing proof of funds within 10 days; staff noted the project would require licensed electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6508835,"Land Bank pushes to speed property sales; solicitor outlines quiet-title backlog and quicker options",414,2117000,2531000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460495-bbdddb1328113fbd236fdf145d5826c1&start=2117&end=2531","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460495-bbdddb1328113fbd236fdf145d5826c1/thumbnail_2117000.jpg","/articles/6508835/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Land-Bank-pushes-to-speed-property-sales-solicitor-outlines-quiet-title-backlog-and-quicker-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6508835-0608e4baf35643bffcfe18322ddd9096/orig.mp4?Expires=1771050651&Signature=JFqzU99qDj3cZi9I1oj0UI7pjp0b3nSfYOKjQMdvlJP9IvqaUCiaYq2w2pCu7kx1ioiPHo4eu3Qn2dbYiQspiHuKGx79gXiTo-jFZ4SXAWGNafKX5OgtvnHG0UstYhBg7g9Z63oNtnobelAe8T-CwTbEHOkeaHep78B4-xDQ2YoxmQMXnEjWqMPIwlfKIjLqtT3SpELKH2~ThTb8XAdGcUTM1FiTzaRdfpsZwNoVU0SYz6I7NH-QfQnFbfhqBXMwjGnKl0ELSqCoKk7RmHUK6TJzOwIr33LF8VNDrtxhgttt~HD6l-6oARYxOznHUaW~E6-wYSvb4aVbiB7l6CUSvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Erie Land Bank told its board July 21 that it is accelerating property turnarounds and looking for operational changes to shave weeks off sales transactions, as the solicitor described a backlog of quiet-title actions and recommended faster alternatives for low-value lots.

Solictor Gene (last name not recorded on the meeting transcript) told the board quiet-title work has grown more complex when prior owners die and estates are not opened. That has required the land bank to locate and serve heirs, prolonging title clearance. Gene said many cases can be handled more cheaply — for some lots a quitclaim deed obtained from an heir is faster and less expensive than a full quiet-title lawsuit; he said roughly 30% of owners contacted agree to execute quitclaim deeds in his recent experience.

The executive director, Aaron, and staff reported several property-sale statuses: one closing on Cameron Road closed June 27 but the funds posted in July and will appear on July financials; the Vermont lot was scheduled to close the week of the meeting; a Locust Street sale is awaiting a subdivision survey; and three properties tied to an Archbishop Brock transaction had not closed and communication with the buyer had slowed while the buyer considers monthly management fees and a $10,000 escrow requirement.

Solictor and staff also discussed a subdivision at Ninth and Cherry Street that neighbors have agreed to fund; the solicitor said a recordable subdivision should be complete by September. Solicitor Gene said attorney Jeremy Toman of the Knox firm represents developer Steve Lewis on an adjacent contracting/development project; Lewis is seeking a construction loan from Marquette, and the land bank’s counsel and developer counsel have been coordinating to move that project forward.

Board members focused on process bottlenecks. Several suggested that, when a realtor brings an acceptable offer and collects a deposit, the realtor should also prepare the sales agreement immediately rather than leaving agreement drafting to staff or counsel, which can add three to five weeks. Board members and counsel agreed to ask the listing agent to prepare the buyer-facing sales agreement so counsel can begin work as soon as a signed contract is submitted.

The board also discussed sidewalks and demolitions: staff said a recent wave of demolitions meant the land bank will evaluate whether lots should be sold as side-lots to neighbors or retained for development; sidewalk replacement will be scheduled for lots expected to remain as long-term side-lots, but the land bank will avoid replacing sidewalks when a property is likely to be developed soon.

No formal board action was required on the operational changes during the meeting; staff said they will adjust marketing agreements and procedures to reduce delays and continue quiet-title work with an emphasis on cost-effective quitclaims where appropriate.","Board discussed recent closings, pending sales and a backlog of quiet-title actions; solicitor said quitclaim deeds can speed transfer for some lots and the board agreed to ask realtors to prepare sales agreements to reduce closing delays.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6508840,"Erie Land Bank auditors issue clean opinion but flag segregation-of-duties weakness",970,588000,1558000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460495-bbdddb1328113fbd236fdf145d5826c1&start=588&end=1558","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460495-bbdddb1328113fbd236fdf145d5826c1/thumbnail_588000.jpg","/articles/6508840/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Erie-Land-Bank-auditors-issue-clean-opinion-but-flag-segregation-of-duties-weakness","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6508840-a5d69b4c9aea24fb19a23c6190be916e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771050651&Signature=IsjR6q2R7EOTHFI2O1nRDmXwvTPC20n9OCBrcaRgf1sn2VEENKgZEP8urguYnBXrKZioYBkm9qm8SEDM2bBQyyFO8JAdylz9f27lymu49UOBvbH--H8H4rKlUEHEVCNltfkCbNX1JDTO~UDJlHxwuCcWI3PjPk6FToMVYszo2Nrf4ueeAXEVLjB89j0TtsA~yEs1A-6kM7mxYcUyGIUpoF9tIa43~TKueQgMvYOntnFFeQlndX5lpP5otol7mlMTyuJtaGubfayVA6hfJdbhxlvSYlQn3lb68qUaivbNr2D4~wOPJjqfgfYwMFDCiJ3ndG9HeNe5jVzvfOpLsTdPyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Independent auditors gave the Erie Land Bank an unmodified (clean) opinion on its 2024 financial statements during the board’s July 21 meeting, but raised internal-control and presentation recommendations the board discussed at length.

The audit firm’s engagement principal, Dustin Star, and manager Jen Croft presented summary figures showing about $243,000 in total assets at Dec. 31, 2024, including roughly $115,000 in cash, $85,000 in accounts receivable and about $43,000 in properties held for sale. The land bank reported total liabilities near $101,000 and unrestricted net position of $141,224. The 2024 statement of revenues and expenses showed operating revenues of about $516,000, operating expenses that produced an approximately $11,000 operating loss, and net change in position of $3,158 after $14,000 in nonoperating revenues, the auditors said. The cash decrease for the year was about $27,000.

Star and Croft told the board auditors found no disagreements with management and no significant audit adjustments. The management letter did identify a significant deficiency in internal controls related to segregation of duties — a common finding for small-staff entities — and recommended that the board review unopened bank statements and have an independent review of bank reconciliations.

Board members pressed the auditors and staff on presentation detail. Several members said the line item labeled “maintenance” (about $232,000) in the audit appears to include demolition, rehabilitation and other property work and should be broken out into subcategories such as demolition, utilities, lawn care and repairs to give the board and the public clearer information. The auditors said they could break out those subcategories for next year’s presentation if management provides guidance on the desired classification.

Board members also questioned a $28,194 “office supplies” total that appeared high. Croft said the auditors had not yet examined the underlying trial-balance detail in the meeting but noted that some payments recorded there were reimbursements to the Redevelopment Authority for items that included binders, computer equipment and software subscriptions; auditors agreed to provide more granular detail if requested.

The management letter also described that certain year-end journal entries and accruals required posting, and it noted there was no formal review or approval of journal entries. Auditors said the draft policies provided by management should address several of those items and recommended additional written procedures and a credit-card policy to strengthen internal controls and continuity if staffing changes.

Board members discussed whether demolition costs should be classified as operating cash flows or as capital/stocking costs related to preparing properties for sale; auditors said classification can be discussed further with management. The board did not take a formal vote on the audit presentation during the meeting; the auditors said the report had been issued in April and was being presented for questions and comment.","Independent auditors gave the Erie Land Bank an unmodified opinion for its 2024 financial statements, while the management letter recommended stronger segregation of duties and clearer expense breakout for property work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Land Bank approves tax exonerations for two parcels to clear titles for sale

Land Bank conditionally approves offer for 1029 E. 20th; buyer must show proof of funds in 10 days

Land Bank pushes to speed property sales; solicitor outlines quiet-title backlog and quicker options

Erie Land Bank auditors issue clean opinion but flag segregation-of-duties weakness