Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) today announced the expansion of the Large Lots land sale program to the Auburn Gresham community on Chicago’s South Side.

“Expanding Large Lots to Auburn Gresham will help more homeowners, block clubs, and other stakeholders put underutilized land into productive use,” Mayor Emanuel said. “The program is a creative and cost-effective way for residents to take control of their communities, one parcel at a time.”

Through April 15, DPD will accept applications from Auburn Gresham property owners to purchase up to two City-owned lots for $1 each. Approximately 100 lots are available within the community.

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, such as parking tickets or water bills, among other requirements. Lots proposed for purchase must be owned by the City, be vacant and have residential (R) zoning. Each parcel is sold “as-is” via a quit claim deed.

The Large Lots program began in 2014 in greater Englewood and later expanded to East Garfield Park, Austin, Roseland and Pullman. Nearly 500 lots have been sold since the program’s inception. All sales are intended to support residential uses, with most lots being planned as side yards, community gardens or landscaped open space. Most lots were acquired by the City through property tax and demolition liens.

Applications are submitted through the Large Lots web site at www.LargeLots.org. Applications are also available during business hours at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 905, Chicago. For more information about the application process, call 312-744-0605.

The program will be expanded into other community areas later this year.