In an ongoing effort to turn around its stock of vacant, tax delinquent properties, the city of Philadelphia will send some 1,400 liens to auction.
"Philadelphia officials are planning to go ahead Wednesday with an auction of city tax liens despite the concerns of housing advocates," according to an article by Bill Hangley. In question are about 1,400 liens on vacant properties. The city is hoping to raise millions through the sale of the liens, but critics say that plan will just move the properties intoa enw type of limbo.
To explain in more detail about the auction, Hangley writes: "A tax lien auction is basically a debt sale….When you buy a tax lien, you win the right to collect that debt -- or seize the property through foreclosure."
In theory the auction should move the properties back onto the market. According to Beth McConnell, head of the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations, the reality is far from profitable, because "buyers have just as much trouble collecting debts as the city, and foreclosure proceedings can take years to resolve."
FULL STORY: Philadelphia to auction off property tax debts despite criticism from community groups
Vacant Properties Occupied by Homeless Families Turned Over to Community Land Trust
A major victory in the fight for housing justice has been achieved in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Goes High-Tech to Monitor Vacant Properties
The city of Philadelphia has deployed high-tech sensors and a new statistical model in its ongoing fight against the blight and health problems that follow vacant and abandoned properties.
Strategic Plan for Philadelphia Land Bank Gains Approval
By all accounts, the Philadelphia Land Bank has completed a high quality strategic plan to guide its actions over the coming years.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont