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Council approves purchase of two foreclosed lots for demolition and transfer to land bank to combat blight
Summary
Council approved buying two foreclosed properties (including 145 Douglas) to demolish blighted structures and transfer lots to the land bank for redevelopment, with funding drawn from the general fund and demolition by city crews; the land bank described grant opportunities to rebuild and return parcels to the tax roll.
Council considered staff and land bank presentations on acquiring two foreclosed properties—one at 145 Douglas and another property under county foreclosure—to tear down blighted buildings and transfer lots to the land bank for redevelopment. Randy and land bank representative Antonio outlined a plan that would use general‑fund cash for purchase and city crews for demolition, with the land bank pursuing grant funding (including MSHDA CDBG DRR) for reconstruction and resale.
Council members asked how the purchases would be funded and whether the approach is sustainable; staff said purchases would come from the general fund with reimbursements to taxing authorities as required and that demolition could be completed by city crews. Antonio described prior land bank projects where grant funding enabled demolition and reconstruction and said the goal is to return properties to the tax roll rather than to enrich developers. After discussion about financing and timelines, the council moved and approved purchase of the two properties to support blight removal and future housing development.
