Commission considers removing reversionary clause on 2121 Wilson St. to support Avondale affordable housing initiative

Hamilton County commissioners were briefed on Resolution 525-16, a request from the city of Chattanooga to release the county's reversionary right and resale provision on property at 2121 Wilson St., tax map number 136MC003.

Todd, a county real property staff member, told the commission the parcel was acquired as a delinquent-tax (back tax) property and had been given to the city to support the Avondale Community Center development with a reversionary clause. "So for them to be able to do that, we have to, take out our reversionary clause," Todd said. He said the city requested removal of that clause so the parcel can be used in the city's affordable housing initiative.

Commissioners asked how the property would be managed under the city program and whether the city would retain ownership. Todd said the parcel would enter the city affordable housing initiative and would not remain city-owned indefinitely; instead, it would be transferred according to that initiative's process and "be put up back on the tax roll as an affordable housing," he told commissioners. Commissioner Sharp asked to review the city's initiative documents; Todd said he would provide the initiative paperwork and related resolution language to the commission.

Commissioner Graham asked whether the parcel would go into the city's land bank; county staff said the parcel would be part of the city's affordable housing initiative, which includes land-banking and restrictive conditions. Commissioners and staff discussed that the city's initiative imposes rules and duration restrictions to keep homes affordable for set periods; county staff said they have used similar transfers for that initiative in the past. The transcript records discussion and requests for paperwork but does not show a final vote on the resolution in the excerpt.