More Than 300 New City Lots Available for $1 Each in Roseland and Pullman; 430 City-owned Lots Have Been Sold Since the Large Lots Program was Announced in 2014
CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–September 11, 2015. Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced a plan to expand the Large Lots program into Roseland and Pullman. Beginning September 15th, more than 300 vacant, City-owned lots will be made available to homeowners, block-clubs and non-profit groups that are interested in purchasing vacant, City-owned land for $1 per parcel.
“The success of the Large Lot program shows what is possible when once vacant lots now serve as important community anchors,” said Mayor Emanuel. “The ongoing expansion of this program reflects the desire Chicagoans have for helping to strengthen their communities block by block, helping ensure the city remains a great place to live and work.”
Mayor Emanuel announced the Large Lots program in early 2014, and in that time, more than 430 lots have been sold in greater Englewood and East Garfield Park. The sales of another 90 lots in Austin are pending City Council approval.
Lots available through the program are owned by the City, are vacant, have residential zoning, and are sized at about 3,125 square feet. Most are purchased for use as side yards, gardens, play areas, and other purposes. Up to two are available per applicant.
Applications for 286 lots in Roseland and 20 lots in Pullman will be accepted from September 15 through October 31, 2015. Applications and additional information can be found online at LargeLots.org.
To qualify as a buyer, an applicant must own property on the same block, be current on property taxes, and have no outstanding debt to the City, such as parking tickets or water bills, among other requirements. Each property is sold “as-is” via a quit claim deed.
Large Lots is part of Mayor Emanuel’s “Five Year Housing Plan,” which is investing $1.3 billion to create, improve, and preserve more than 41,000 units of housing in Chicago. The program was a recipient of the Urban Land Institute’s prestigious “Vision Award” earlier this year.
Source: www.cityofchicago.org
