Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the In Rem Foreclosure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee opens in rem foreclosure measure but defers public testimony
Summary
Council Bill 25-0080 on in rem foreclosure for vacant structures was introduced and discussed; the sponsor and law department described narrowing the bill to vacant/abandoned properties and adding market-value language, but the committee recessed the item and will return after staff review of amendments.
Chair James Torrance opened the hearing on Council Bill 25-0080, which would authorize an in rem foreclosure process for vacant and abandoned properties in Baltimore City. Councilwoman Odette Ramos, sponsor, said this 'in rem 2' path is intended for properties whose liens are below assessed value and that she had worked with the law department and DHCD to narrow the draft by removing 'nuisance properties' and adding market-value language before title transfer.
Hillary Ruhly of the city law department told the committee she had reviewed the amendments and proposed additional edits; she noted courts would still make case-by-case determinations about receivership and cautioned about legal conformity. Alice Kennedy of DHCD said the department stands by its report and needs time to review the sponsor’s amendments; she emphasized concerns that an alternate process should not replicate condemnation in a way that delays compensation or harms tenants.
The committee recessed the in rem foreclosure item for public testimony and technical follow-up after acknowledging WebEx audio problems early in the hearing. No votes or formal actions were taken on 25-0080 at this session; the sponsor said she expects additional work sessions with law and DHCD before bringing a final draft back to committee.
