Yonkers committee amends surplus-property auction list, removes two Sussex parcels to expand Sunnybrook Park

Yonkers — The Budget & Finance Committee on Sept. 16 amended a resolution authorizing disposition of approximately 29 surplus city-owned tax lots, excluding two parcels (24 and 34 Sussex) so they can be considered for inclusion in Sunnybrook Park.

Minority Leader Michael B. Breen moved to remove 24 Sussex and 34 Sussex from the surplus list so the parcels could become part of the park. The motion was seconded by Majority Leader John Ruble and carried; the committee ultimately moved the amended item to the full council agenda for that evening.

City counsel explained the resolution would authorize sale of the listed surplus properties at a public auction; the council was provided with an “upset price” for each lot — the minimum acceptable sale price — though final bids can exceed that amount. Staff said many lots are vacant parcels the city owns outright or is authorized to sell following foreclosure judgments, not properties being sold as tax liens. For small lots that abut private parcels, staff described a “butters” auction process in which adjacent property owners are notified and may combine the small lot with their property.

Council members asked planning-related questions, including zoning and whether lots could be assembled into buildable parcels; staff said some lots are adjacent and could be combined by buyers. Committee members also raised concerns about two small parcels near Sunnybrook Park and asked that they be removed from the auction list and considered for park expansion. The committee excluded those two Sussex parcels from the sale list and agreed to forward the amended resolution to the full council that evening.

Sources: Committee motion by Minority Leader Michael B. Breen, explanation by counsel/staff, and committee action during the Sept. 16, 2025 Budget & Finance Committee meeting.