Marion County hears update on 2022 nonprofit tax-lien properties planned for affordable housing

The Marion County Commissioners on July 15 heard updates from nonprofit developers about properties acquired in the 2022 nonprofit tax-lien sale that the groups plan to rehabilitate or redevelop as affordable housing.

Jeff Hasser, Director of Housing Strategy at the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, told commissioners the nonprofit received two parcels from the sale: 520 North Grama Street and a property listed as 2128 North Delaware Street that has since been split into 2126 and 2128. Hasser said the Grama Street property shows exterior wear and interior water damage and unstable floorboards, and that lead-based paint on exterior siding will require replacement using a lead-safe contractor.

Hasser said recent contractor bids put construction costs for the Grama Street property at about $287,000, with a total project cost near $330,000. He said the sale price for that property was set at $225,000 based on a plans-and-specs appraisal required for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)–funded properties; remaining project costs are expected to be covered by the city’s CDBG award. "We have to use a lead safe contractor in order to make…