Title
Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor, the Director of Finance and the City Solicitor to establish the Pittsburgh LandBank and Advisory Committee to promote and further the optimal use of vacant and tax-delinquent properties in the City of Pittsburgh.
Body
Whereas, the City of Pittsburgh has in excess of 14,000 abandoned properties scattered across the City; and,
Whereas, the City of Pittsburgh has over 20,000 tax delinquent properties, many of them vacant; and,
Whereas, blighted property costs the City of Pittsburgh millions of dollars in both expense and lost revenue in addition to degrading the quality-of-life in many of our neighborhoods; and,
Whereas, land banks have the ability to increase property demolition, enhance greening of vacant lots, and enhance community revitalization; and,
Whereas, land banks are a proven model to dramatically encourage urban redevelopment; and,
Whereas, land banks have a proven record to increase property tax collection; and,
Whereas, land banks can address an array of issues with nonproductive land, including the need to obtain clear titles, property maintenance and availability for private purchase; and,
Whereas, land banks are already working in Michigan, Georgia, Kentucky and Missouri and are the most promising new tool for Pittsburgh to reclaim blighted abandoned property and put it into productive use.
Be it therefore resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby enact as follows:
Section 1. Pittsburgh LandBank
The Mayor, Director of Finance and City Solicitor are hereby authorized and directed to establish the Pittsburgh LandBank and Advisory Committee as an inter-agency program designed to promote and further the optimal use of Land and Properties in the City of Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh LandBank's partners shall include the County of Allegheny, the Pittsburgh School District, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, the Housing Authority of...
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