A plan approved today by City Council will formally establish the “Large Lots” program to help streamline the sale of select parcels of vacant, City-owned land for $1.

“The Large Lots program enables community residents and stakeholders to take ownership of their blocks, one parcel at a time,” Mayor Emanuel said. “It’s an effective, cost-friendly tool to redevelop concentrations of City-owned land for private and community uses.”

Pilot versions of the program were launched this spring in greater Englewood and this summer in East Garfield Park by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD). Initiated under Mayor Emanuel’s “Five-Year Housing Plan,” each pilot provided homeowners, block clubs, and nonprofit organizations the opportunity to purchase vacant, City-owned, residential lots for $1 per parcel. Most are planned as side yards and gardens.

The formal program will provide an entirely electronic application process through the LargeLots.org web site. To qualify as a buyer, an applicant must own property on the same block, be current on property taxes, and have no outstanding debt to the City, among other requirements. Up to two properties will be available per application; each will be sold in “as is” condition through a quit claim deed.

“This program will allow residents to clean up vacant lots and transform them into community
assets, which complements our work to strengthen Chicago neighborhoods,” said Ald. Ray
Suarez (31st), chair of City Council’s Housing and Real Estate Committee. “We also envision this program to potentially create more affordable housing, as community groups could build new developments on what was once vacant, City-owned land.”

The program will be offered in select neighborhoods based on demand and availability of vacant, City-owned land.

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