These properties are being sold at the rate of $5 per frontage foot of land. For example, a lot is 50’ x 165’ has frontage of 50’ and would cost $250 in cash, credits or a combination of the two.
“We decided to do it because there have been several properties that the city has taken possession of that are in neighborhoods that we are maintaining now and it makes more sense to have them become private property,” said Xenia City Manager Jim Percival.
Those wishing to purchase property can view available lots on the City of Xenia website http://www.ci.xenia.oh.us/ by clicking on the “Mow to Own” tab under the Quicklinks section.
Once the potential buyer finds the property they wish to purchase they must fill the out application with an attached proposal detailing the maintenance and/or improvements to be completed on the vacant lot.
There is a $15 non-refundable application fee.
Before applying prospective property owners must meet certain requirements which include:
• No delinquent real estate or personal property taxes in Greene County
• No history of property maintenance, nuisance, building, and/or zoning code violations
• No delinquent utility accounts for the previous 12 months
If approved, the applicant must sign an option agreement to purchase the vacant lot. The option agreement will require that the vacant lot revert to the City of Xenia if the potential purchaser fails to perform maintenance or improvements
.
Vacant lots acquired through the “Mow to Own” program may not be resold without written approval from the City of Xenia for a period of five years from the closing date.
About the Author