Danville finalizes foreclosure acquisition of 422 Duncan Hill, signs plat to give 20-foot easement to Hilldale Cemetery

Danville — The Danville City Commission approved final steps on Feb. 9 to take ownership of a foreclosed property at 422 Duncan Hill and authorized a plat that conveys a 20-foot strip to Hilldale Cemetery for a waterline easement and a future trail connection.

City attorney and staff described the foreclosure process: the city submitted a credit bid at a master commissioner sale, was the high bidder and, after paying delinquent taxes and confirming sale procedures, received the deed to the property. "We submitted a credit bid of our judgment amount, we were the high bidder," counsel said during the meeting.

Engineering staff said the requested plat removes approximately 20 feet from the eastern edge of the lot to combine that strip with Hilldale Cemetery. The change will create a place to run a waterline to complete a service loop for the adjacent Baughman development and allow a walking-path connection from new development to the Clarks Run Trail. Staff told commissioners the remainder of the lot would be suitable for a single building lot once the plat is recorded and city surplus procedures completed.

Commissioners approved the plat resolution and later moved to confirm the foreclosure bid and follow-through actions that will resolve city liens on the property. Staff said the city may still not recoup the total lien costs, but ownership will remove ongoing maintenance costs and allow eventual sale and tax revenue.