The city council is considering placing restrictions on vacant and tax delinquent properties auctioned by the city’s Office of Real Estate Services to require that renovation or new construction start within 6 months and completed within 2 years, and that renovation/construction plans be reviewed and approved for neighborhood compatibility.

Richmond City Council President Manoli Loupassi has put forth resolution 2005-282 (PDF) that states in part:

“If the city sells real estate under subsection (b) of this section, the city shall require any purchaser by covenants in the deed or other security instrument to begin repair or renovation of the property within six months of the date of purchase. [ ... ] The city may include an additional reasonable conditions it deems appropriate in order to carry out the intend of this section and ensure that the property is repaired or renovated in accordance with applicable law”

There will be two public meetings on the issue:

Tuesday, November 22, 2005, 4:00pm in City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor at City Hall - 900 East Broad Street. This is the public meeting of the Land Use and Housing Committee (chaired by Councilman Chris Hilbert).

Monday, November 28, 2005, 6:00pm in City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor at City Hall - 900 East Broad Street. This is the regular meeting of City Council. Council Members will discuss and vote on this topic.

[ via ACORN ]