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Ogdensburg to market seven foreclosed borough parcels; council discusses auction logistics
Summary
Borough Attorney Robert McBriar told the council the borough has a final in-rem foreclosure judgment on seven parcels (0.3 to 18 acres) and discussed auction logistics, minimum bids, and redevelopment considerations; the council did not take a final vote but asked staff to pursue next steps with auction houses and appraisals.
Borough Attorney Robert McBriar told the Ogdensburg Borough Council on Aug. 8 that the borough has completed an in-rem foreclosure process and obtained a final in-rem judgment and a certificate of regularity, paving the way to dispose of seven foreclosed parcels.
"We have completed the in-rem foreclosure process there were seven schedules in the in-rem complaint," McBriar said, describing the court filing and documentation from State Title and Abstract Company. He said the parcels vary in size from about 0.3 acres to roughly 18 acres and that the borough must follow advertising and notice requirements before holding an auction.
The council discussed how to proceed. McBriar recommended the council consider whether to conduct the auction in-house or retain an experienced auction house that typically charges a buyer's premium rather than an upfront fee. He also urged the borough to consult its assessor or hire an appraiser to establish minimum bid thresholds. "We should review the acreage amounts, what zones they are located in and whether they conform or don't conform with development standards," McBriar said.
Councilman Nasisi urged using a professional auction house for broader exposure, and Councilman DeMeo asked about contract terms and sample agreements. Clerk Robin Hough said she already has a sample contract on file. Council members also raised parcel-specific concerns, including undersized lots, a paper (undeveloped) road that may not represent sellable land, and opportunities tied to redevelopment planning.
There was no formal vote to sell specific parcels at the meeting. Next steps identified by the council and staff included compiling a definitive property list, consulting the assessor or an appraiser to inform minimum bids, contacting auction firms for proposals and sample contracts, and preparing required advertising and notices under state law before any sale.
The council did not set dates for the auction; staff were instructed to report back with potential auction-house terms and a recommended minimum-bid strategy.
