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During the Great Budget Debate of 2011, the City of Covington expressed an intent to rid itself of much of its surplus property. The sale of one such piece of land came up for a vote at Tuesday night's commission meeting. 2217 Busse Street is a vacant piece of land nestled between two houses. The owner of an adjacent property placed the only bid at $500. Kenton County property records indicate the land's worth at ten times that amount, $5,000.
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| 2217 Busse Street via Google maps |
The winning bid was by Charles Moore who owns the home next door. City Manager Larry Klein indicated that Moore expressed some positive intentions when his bid was submitted. "He said he would use the lot, clean it up and remove the sidewalk fence," Klein said. "It would help beautify the street and there would be off-street parking."
Klein expressed a desire to require Moore to ensure those actions were taken by including directive language in the deed. That caused concern from Commissioner Shawn Masters. "It should be the property owner's decision what to do with it if we're selling it as surplus," Masters said.
"The property owner is getting a deal," Commissioner Sherry Carran said, adding that because of that, including beautification requirements to the deed would be fair. "I don't think it's unreasonable to preserve the neighborhood," Carran said.
"It's in the best interest of the city to make sure these properties get in the hands of people who will do good things for the neighborhood," Carran continued. "If the language isn't added, I will vote 'no'."
Masters did not find it reasonable to request that a property owner agree to terms on a deed when by the Commissioner's estimation, the city does not take proper care of its own properties. "501 Main? Until we set standards for ourselves, I don't see how we put restrictions on residents," Masters shot back. "I have no doubt (Charles Moore) will take care of the property."
No specific language was added to the order, which passed 4 - 1 with Carran dissenting. "We have a lot of property to get off our books," Commissioner Steve Frank said. "Five hundred bucks is better than zero."
Masters did not find it reasonable to request that a property owner agree to terms on a deed when by the Commissioner's estimation, the city does not take proper care of its own properties. "501 Main? Until we set standards for ourselves, I don't see how we put restrictions on residents,"
ReplyDeleteWell put, Shawn.
Amen, I agree look at the boarded up windows in the Stewart Iron Works building. They still have not been painted, in accordance with the new city ordinance.
ReplyDelete