Pittsburgh Land Bank approves multiple property acquisitions, sales and advances residential rehab sales

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Land Bank on May 9 approved a series of property transfers and sales intended to return vacant parcels to productive use, including several conveyances to community organizations and two owner-occupant sales tied to a pilot residential rehabilitation program.

The board approved seven resolutions authorizing acquisitions from the city or transfers from the land bank, including use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for some purchases, and approved sales to nonprofit and private buyers. The meeting also advanced the land bank’s pilot residential rehab program by approving the first completed sale from the pilot and a walk-on authorization to convey a second rehab property to an owner-occupant pending final underwriting and a required five-year deed restriction.

Board members and staff said the approvals are intended to move long-vacant properties back onto the tax rolls and support new affordable and mixed-income housing. Acting Executive Director Sally Stadelman told the board the land bank has completed 31 sales to date and has 36 properties actively in closing processes; staff also reported $1,100,000 in equity on the April balance sheet.

Public commenters who live near properties approved for transfer urged the board to proceed. Michael Yoder, who identified himself as a next-door neighbor of 5001 Broad Street in the Garfield neighborhood, said the house “has been an eyesore, a problem, a liability for our…