Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced the Large Lots land sale program will open the first week of December, making approximately 4,000 vacant, City-owned lots on the South, Southwest and West sides available for residents to purchase for $1. The latest sale marks the eighth round of the program.

“Over the last four years, Large Lots has put hundreds of vacant lots back into productive uses that help to build neighborhood wealth, improve safety and enhance community cohesion,” Mayor Emanuel said. “I want to thank all of the residents who have stepped up and done their part to make the program the success it is today. This is living proof of what can happen when residents come together to take a lot that was forgotten by the community and reinvent it for the future of the community.”

The Large Lots program launched in 2014 in greater Englewood as a recommendation of the City’s “Five-Year Housing Plan” and “Green Healthy Neighborhoods” plan before expanding to include more than 30 additional community areas. Since its launch nearly 2,000 lots have been sold through the program. All sales are intended to support residential uses, with most lots being planned as side yards, community gardens or landscaped open spaces.

“As the program continues to expand and put more properties in the hands of local property owners, we’re seeing increased beautification, quieter and safer streets, and more social interaction,” DPD Commissioner David Reifman said.

Ongoing surveys of Large Lots buyers by the U.S. Forest Service and University of Illinois indicate that most properties are purchased to help improve property aesthetics, to create new social spaces for family and friends, and to grow flowers and vegetables. Buyers also report more community cohesion, more social interaction and quieter and safer streets through the program.

"When we can provide residents with the tools they need to improve their communities, everyone wins. This program is a great example of how the City is working together with residents to create stronger neighborhoods throughout Chicago," said 17th ward Alderman David Moore.

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. Up to two lots are available per application with each parcel sold “as-is” via a quit claim deed.

Applications and additional information are available at www.LargeLots.org.