City staff told Delaware City Council on Oct. 13 that a 0.15-acre vacant property on London Road—acquired by the city in 2004 for a storm-sewer easement—may be offered for public auction because the city no longer has a municipal purpose for the parcel.

Paul Farina (city staff) presented the property and the proposed disposition: the city bought the lot in February 2004 during the London Road storm-sewer project, the storm sewer remains at the north end of the lot, and the city intends to require that a permanent easement for that storm sewer be established as a condition of sale. An appraisal prepared for the city values the lot at $35,000; staff said the city plans to offer the property through GovDeals, the online auction platform, and could set a reserve price if desired.

Farina noted utility constraints — a power line and a city water line along the west property line — and that the property may not be buildable as a standalone parcel; neighboring owners have expressed interest. He said the city would consider alternatives if an auction produces no bids, noting the city code allows alternate disposal methods after a public offering.

Why it matters: Disposing of surplus city property can return an underused parcel to the tax base and remove municipal maintenance responsibilities, but easements and utilities limit development options and could affect market interest.

Next steps: Staff said it intends to schedule the auction for November but described that date as a goal rather than fixed; council will be asked to confirm final sale procedures at a future meeting.