NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) -
From delinquent tax payers to dilapidated and blighted homes in disrepair - New Haven is taking a number of foreclosed homes and putting them on the market.
On Monday, a series of open houses gave potential home buyers a first look at the properties.
One home on Dickerman Street is in pretty rough shape and will be a complete gut rehab. That's because it's been vacant for a number of years, and will need a lot of work. But, it's only one of eight properties that have been foreclosed upon and one that the Elm City is hoping someone will invest in.
"I think right now it will cost about $150,000 to complete the renovations and move in," said contractor Hugh Jones.
Jones was at the open house to take a look at the property for a client.
The city took ownership of the home three weeks ago and said if his client doesn't bid on it, he might.
"It's a complete gut out," he said. "All new appliances, all new plumbing, electrical. The exterior isn't in bad shape."
New Haven's Livable City Initiative held eight open houses around New Haven on Monday as part of its 12th surplus property sale. The home on Dickerman and another on Clay were both foreclosed on through the city's anti-blight ordinance.
Joann Vozza said she can't stand looking at the one across from her on Poplar Street, which isn't any better.
"That one's definitely an eyesore," she said to Channel 3's Matt McFarland.
The anti-blight laws allow the city to fine owners if nothing is done and place a lien on the property before eventually taking it over.
"The city doesn't want to be property owners," said Erik Johnson, of the Livable City Initiative. "So when we get these (properties), we'll be bundling them up and pushing them out, and pushing people to come out and invest."
The city of New Haven said it expects bids to be anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000. Empty for many years, the homes need a lot of work, but those living nearby said even the smallest improvement will make a big impact.
It looks bad for the neighborhood, bad for the community, bad for us who live here, looking like we don't take care of our own things and if someone can pick up and renovate it, that would be great," Vozza said.
The goal is to get the house rehabbed, back on the tax rolls and filled with occupants within a year.
Potential buyers have until Aug. 6 to get their bids in.
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