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Real estate director says city will reconsider vendor lien sales and discuss targeted transfers of vacant lots
Summary
Baltimore's Department of Real Estate reported $1.3 million generated in FY24 from tax sale certificates and small cell applications, said a new staff position will be added, and agreed to further explore limiting vendor lien sales and targeted transfers of vacant lots to agencies like DHCD or Recreation and Parks.
Eric Evans, director of the Baltimore City Department of Real Estate, told the Appropriations Committee the department generated about $1.3 million for the general fund in fiscal year 2024 from tax sale certificate sales and small cell application revenues and plans to add one staff position in fiscal 2026 to increase analytical capacity.
Councilwoman Ramos raised concerns about the city’s vendor lien program for tax sale certificates and urged the department to consider in‑rem foreclosure as a faster alternative in many cases. “Why not have us go through our very short six‑month process to foreclose and provide that same developer that same property?” Ramos asked. Evans said the department is “almost finished with an agreement that would accompany the sale of these certificates” but agreed to further explore the option Ramos suggested, noting the data did not yet show the vendor‑lien program was consistently fruitful.
On vacant lots, Ramos proposed transferring some comptroller‑controlled lots to the Department of Housing and Community Development or the Department of Recreation and Parks for management and consistent maintenance. The Comptroller said the agency does not perform mowing and that DPW performs mowing while forestry handles trees. He said transfers are possible in cases where a community has an intentional, aggregated redevelopment plan and that the department is willing to have one‑on‑one discussions about specific properties.
Evans confirmed the department will evaluate the vendor lien program in light of council concerns and work with DHCD on coordinated transfers where appropriate. Council members asked the Comptroller’s office to follow up on specific parcels, and the Comptroller and staff agreed to continue conversations with council offices and the mayor’s office to coordinate transfers and maintenance responsibilities.
The committee did not take a formal action at this hearing; council members and staff agreed to pursue follow‑up discussions and possible transfers on a case‑by‑case basis.
