Real estate for sale sign in residential neighborhood, New Jersey, USA
December 7, 2021 – A partnership between City of Decatur and the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority should make it easier for interested buyers to purchase vacant lots and land from the City of Decatur. The City is hoping to convey lots to adjacent property owners so residents can create or expand their gardens, increase the size of their yard, or add/expand to legal off-street parking.
“Decatur has a surplus inventory of great lots,” according to CILBA director Mike Davis. “The challenge, given competing demands and limited city staff, is helping residents and organizations buy them. That’s where we come in.”
Under their partnering agreement, the Land Bank will advertise and take applications from potential buyers, then help the buyers negotiate purchase agreements with the City. Nearly 500 lots acquired by the city over the years will be offered and will include buildable lots and smaller, non-buildable lots suitable for expanding an existing neighboring parcel.
Cordaryl Patrick, Decatur’s Director of Economic and Community Development, said “we’re really excited to partner with the Central Illinois Land Bank to get these lots into the hands of responsible property owners that care about their neighborhood and back onto the tax rolls. We encourage local non-profits and community organizations to take advantage of this opportunity as well as, so that we can begin the process of creating a sense of place and improving the quality of life in our urban core, which is where majority of these vacant lots exist.”
Properties will be sold “as-is” via a Quit Claim Deed at best offer pricing and the minimum suggested offer is $700. CILBA and the City of Decatur will prepare all the documents and record them after execution making the process simple for interested property owners.
How to Search for a Property: The available properties can be viewed on a map through the City of Decatur website. Interested parties can contact CILBA or City of Decatur with any questions or to get started. Applicants can submit their applications online or mail the hard copy back that they receive in the mail.
