Board approves sale of vacant scattered-site home at 1302 S. 21st St.; commissioners press for policy on market sales

The Housing Authority board approved the sale of a scattered-site single-family home at 1302 South 21st Street, a four-bedroom dwelling, to Orvix LLC for $111,000. Jeannie Dawson of Special Projects told the board the property was appraised at $104,000 and that the accepted offer was $7,000 over appraisal.

Commissioner Moore and others pressed staff on whether the authority requires prospective buyers to disclose redevelopment plans or to prioritize nonprofit or local-developer purchasers. Dawson said that, for this property, staff marketed the house on MLS and invited nonprofit developers (including Habitat and other locally active groups), who declined because of the property condition and cost. She said the board previously directed staff to pursue a market sale when nonprofits could not proceed.

Acting Secretary/Executive Director Ken Barbault said he had checked with the City Attorney’s Office and that the buyer is not currently identified as a troubled owner under city review. Commissioners raised concerns about out-of-town investors and the authority’s ability to require restoration or resale to homeowners. Some commissioners asked staff to explore options and possibly return with a policy or agenda item to set expectations on sales and buyer qualifications.

The board approved the contract to sell the property with the contingency of board approval; staff said there was a signed offer contingent on board action. No conditions requiring specific restoration or owner-occupancy were included in the offer as presented.