Tax forgiveness sparks interest in Monessen’s housing market

By KRISTIE LINDEN

klinden@yourmvi.com

The City of Monessen has combined a willingness to forgive some tax liens with a bunch of vacant properties to create a buzz in the local real estate market.

Late last fall, the city was approached several times by interested property buyers to forgive old tax liens, which council approved. 

Around the same time, council approved a new ordinance that requires anyone who buys a property in Monessen to bring it up to code within one year of the purchase date or face penalties.

Mayor Matt Shorraw said the city looks at forgiving the old taxes in this way as a method of saving money in the long run.

“It took off,” Shorraw said, once word got out that the city has been forgiving the liens. “I’m very surprised, honestly.”  

The city will deal with each house or property on a case-by-case basis, but anyone who wants to buy a vacant property must first get the title to the property.

The buyer will have to track down the owner, make a deal and transfer ownership. 

Once that is done, the new owner can bring the title to the city as proof of ownership and sign an agreement. That document states the property will be brought up to code within 12 months, or at least substantial progress will have been made, and it will also ask new property owners the intention for the property.

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Wednesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.