BEREA, Ohio -- The Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Authority, also known as the county land bank, is poised to acquire, then transfer to the City of Berea, a residential property containing a single-family home at 293 Wallace Drive.
An ordinance enabling Mayor Cyril Kleem to sign a pass-through sale purchase and development agreement with the land bank received the first of three public readings during City Council’s April 1 regular meeting.
Disposition of the parcel resulted after property taxes went unpaid. No one bought the property during two subsequent sheriff’s sales.
“Berea finds that this parcel of land can be useful to the city in the redevelopment of the area,” the legislation says.
To avoid having the property sold in September at a state forfeiture sale, the land bank likely will buy the property now “at little to no cost,” according to the ordinance, then transfer it to the City of Berea for $100, plus filing fees.
“After the pass-through agreement (is executed), the intent is to sell the home with a deed restriction on it for single-family ownership,” Law Director Barbara Jones said.
The mayor added that the city “won’t be strapped” with any unpaid utility bills or back taxes attached to the property.
Cuyahoga County online property records show that the 2023 total market value of the house was $160,800. The 1.5-story home was built in 1955.
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