Auburn approves three tax-foreclosed property sales; resident questions city's selection process

The Auburn City Council on May 1 approved three land sale resolutions to sell tax-foreclosed properties at 17 Hoffman Street, 242 Seymour Street and 49 Holly Street, setting purchase prices and conditions for renovation and closing. The council also heard a public commenter who asked how neighbors can vet prospective buyers of foreclosed houses in their area.

Pamela Ocassik, a resident who identified herself as living at 120 Chapman Avenue, told the council she is concerned that after tax foreclosure the city selects buyers without neighbor input. "If a property becomes available in my neighborhood, I don't get a list of prospective buyers to investigate and interview to decide with my neighbors who will be the best fit for our neighborhood," Ocassik said during the public-to-be-heard portion.

City staff described the city's current process and the sale terms for the three parcels. For 17 Hoffman Street the council approved a contract with Dawn Oller for $68,000; terms require a quitclaim deed at closing, buyer-paid title and survey costs, permits obtained within 30 days of closing, and completion of renovations within one year. For 242 Seymour Street the council approved a $30,000 cash purchase offer from Rachel Bailey with similar permit and renovation timelines. For 49 Holly Street the council approved a $23,000 purchase offer from Rolando Zamora and similar conditions.

City staff (City Clerk Ms. Haynes) noted that the Hoffman Street parcel received seven offers and that an earlier property at 197 State Street received an offer that was ineligible under the city's land sale policy because the bidder owned other city property that was delinquent on taxes and had code violations. "The other offer did not meet criteria for the land sale policy which requires folks to be current on their taxes if they own property in the city and free of code violations," staff said during the meeting.

The resolutions require buyers to obtain necessary permits within 30 days and complete construction within one year; the city will convey the properties by quitclaim deed and buyers will bear closing costs. Council votes for each of the land sale resolutions were called by roll and carried unanimously among members present.

Ocassik told council members she believes the city's process results in perceived unequal treatment in neighborhoods and asked whether neighbors could have more information about prospective buyers; staff answered by citing the city's eligibility criteria and the goal of returning properties to productive use.

The council approved the three land-sale resolutions on Thursday and directed staff to record sale proceeds into the designated revenue accounts.