The Foreclosure Report

Unpaid City Fees Land 2,500 Homes In Auction

This report from Buffalo, NY shows what it takes to end up in an auction. "Today, the City of Buffalo will start foreclosing on properties where people haven't paid their taxes, or, in some cases, their garbage fees or even their water bills."

"'At last count, there were about 1,000 owner-occupied homes still on the list, and that's a significant number of people in jeopardy of losing their homes,' said (attorney) David Chadwick."

"Some properties go before the gavel this morning, others will be auctioned tomorrow or Wednesday. Chadwick says the city has been more flexible on payment agreements as of late, but there are a lot more properties on the foreclosure list, too."

Update: But this account has a much higher total. "The first year that unpaid water, sewer and user fees are included along with unpaid City of Buffalo taxes for foreclosures has resulted in more than 2,500 residential homes being auctioned Monday. A usual year brings about 1,000 homes to auction."

"'The city has held a tax foreclosure since 1981 (but since) user fees were accumulating, this is the only program that will facilitate the correction of (late payments),' said Bruna Michaux, commissioner of the city's department of assessment and taxation."

posted by Ben Jones @ 8:40 AM