Mount Clemens moves to buy 213 Court Street; Habitat for Humanity to assess rehab potential

City Administration asked the commission to authorize the purchase of a tax-foreclosure property at 213 Court Street and the commission voted to proceed.

Mr. Shipman said the property is on a 2023 tax-foreclosure list and described it as a vacant, dilapidated residential structure that has stood empty for several years. The administration asked to purchase the house from the county treasurer’s office for approximately $928,181; the city attorney will review title work prior to finalizing the purchase. Mr. Shipman said one advantage of acquiring the property through foreclosure is that the existing mortgage would be eliminated.

Shipman said Habitat for Humanity has indicated interest in evaluating the house for possible rehabilitation. If Habitat determines the house cannot be rehabilitated, the city would plan demolition, he said.

Why it matters: The purchase lets the city clear title and decide whether to pursue rehabilitation through a nonprofit partner or remove a blighted structure. Commissioners asked about the timing, the demolition option and whether rehabilitation was feasible; administration answered that Habitat would assess the property first.

Vote: The motion to authorize the purchase was supported and passed by roll call; each named commissioner recorded a “yes” vote in the transcript.

Next step: City attorney review of title is required before the purchase is finalized; Habitat for Humanity will evaluate the property’s rehab potential.