At the September 19th
city council meeting the council voted to spend $8,400 of Wilmington
taxpayers money to demolish a privately owned house at 142 N.
Mulberry St.
The motion to spend was made without
explanation or discussion and was passed unanimously.
In my opinion this demolition is, in
fact, an improvement to the property for the property owner's
benefit. A building lot with a deteriorating and unsafe building is
of very little value but a cleared and vacant lot in the heart of the
city has considerable value. Without delving into the legal aspects
of the situation it seems to me that the city should a least attempt
to repay the taxpayers by taking ownership of the improved parcel for
resale or development.
Adding to the situation is the fact
that the property owner has not paid taxes on the property for three
or four years and it is considered a delinquent account. This fact
might fit
the state state statute referenced below. If it does apply it could
offer a means for the city to recoup some or all of the money as well
as getting rid of a dangerous eyesore. If anyone has additional
knowledge of the legalities please contact me or, better yet, contact
council's clerk at:
bwoods@ci.wilmington.oh.us
or 382-5458
Ohio Revised CODE (ORC) 5722.21
Acquisition of tax-delinquent real property for redevelopment free
from lien for delinquent taxes.
(B)
The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may declare by
ordinance that it is in the public interest for the municipal
corporation, to acquire tax-delinquent real property within the
municipal corporation,
Paul Hunter paulhunter45177@gmail.com
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