Introducing Legislation For A Tool To Address Our Vacant Property Crisis

During today's Council Meeting, I will be introducing a bill that will allow Baltimore City's Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to acquire vacant properties through condemnation and rehab them for use. This will be another tool in our arsenal to tackle our city's vacant property crisis.

As you may know, we currently have the In Rem process, which is when the liens exceed the assessed value of the property and the city can foreclose on it.  Since implementing this process in 2022, we have acquired 1,037 vacant properties and vacant lots.

I have introduced legislation for an In Rem 2, which would apply to properties whose liens are below the assessed value of the property. Unfortunately, DHCD is not in support of this. We're also waiting for the implementation of the vacant property tax. While In Rem 2 would be a great tool and the vacant property tax will be as well, I believe the legislation I'm introducing today will be a great addition to the toolbox.

So far, we supported DHCD and the Law Department with more funding to hire more lawyers, not just for In Rem, but also for condemnation.  Condemnation actions are basically eminent domain. Article 13 of the City Code authorizes the city to conduct such actions on any property after several approvals. 

This bill, 26-0236, amends Article 13 to add a section that is specifically about vacant and abandoned improved properties. It clarifies that DHCD and the Law Department have the authority to acquire vacant and abandoned properties through condemnation. In this case, we will use this power to acquire vacant and abandoned buildings with liens below the property's value. Just like in condemnation, there will be regular court action and negotiation.