Marion County commissioners approve transfer of 43 surplus properties to DMD

Marion County commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 19 to transfer 43 county-owned surplus parcels — 37 vacant lots and six improved parcels — to the Department of Metropolitan Development for redevelopment under DMD’s new Vacant to Vibrant land bank program.

The transfer was approved during a public hearing held in Room 260 of the City‑County Building. “I move approval of the resolution as presented to transfer the properties to the Department of Metropolitan Development,” Marion County Treasurer and Commissioner Barbara Bremhirans said before commissioners seconded the motion and approved it by voice vote.

DMD representatives told the board the parcels are intended mostly for single-family redevelopment, either through rehabilitation of existing houses or new construction for sale or rent. “The properties are, generally, intended to be redeveloped as single family homes for the most part,” Matt Hostetler, a representative for the Department of Metropolitan Development, said. He said the program includes multiple sale tracks: an affordable application for nonprofits that would allow discounted purchases to provide long-term affordability; a homestead application that offers a 20% discount to buyers who commit to living in and rehabilitating the property for at least two years; and a side-lot application limited to adjacent property owners, which DMD’s review committee may deny if a different use is judged higher and better.

DMD staff estimated the application-to-disposition time at about three to six months as the program ramps up. Hostetler said the review process will include notifying registered neighborhood groups, consideration by a DMD review committee, final approval by the Metropolitan Development Commission, and a design review by the city architect for new construction proposals.

Staff also said title searches and checks for encroachments are part of due diligence before any transfer. Commissioners asked for clarification about Parcel No. 7046490, listed as Fisher Creek Condominiums; Hostetler and other staff said they would follow up with a parcel-specific check and noted that some condominium owners had inquired about abutting landowner programs but were ineligible because their units do not abut the parcel.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After the vote, DMD offered to provide the commissioners with a short presentation on the Vacant to Vibrant program at a future meeting.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. in Room 260 of the City‑County Building.