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Council approves acquisition of 18 vacant parcels for demolition and blight reduction
Summary
The council approved a resolution to acquire 18 vacant or dilapidated parcels from the Knox County Trustee at $823 each to facilitate demolition and neighborhood revitalization; staff said roughly 70 properties are on the active cleanup list.
City staff recommended and the council approved a resolution (25-2025) to acquire 18 vacant or dilapidated parcels from the Knox County Trustee at $823 apiece through the county's tax-liquidation process. Staff said funding is available in the city's property redevelopment fund (Fund 23) and that acquisitions will allow demolition or abatement to reduce maintenance costs and prepare sites for future reuse or surplus sale.
Council member Hunnigan asked how many of the parcels are in Ward 2 and how many properties in total are slated for demolition; staff said they had not broken the 18 down by ward but estimated "roughly 70 properties on the active list that we're working towards cleaning up or demolishing," and noted some cases may require court action. The council voted to approve the acquisition; the clerk recorded six yes votes.
