Tri-COG Land Bank lists $45,000 vacant Edgewood lot as 1st property for sale

A vacant lot in Edgewood has become the first property posted for sale by the Tri-COG Land Bank.

The organization consisting of municipalities and school districts in Allegheny County acquired the lot at 430 Morris St. in 2018 and is selling it for $45,000.

The land bank was founded in 2017 to acquire abandoned properties, clear the titles and sell them in an effort to cut down on blight and help revitalize neighborhoods. It now owns 28 properties.

“After years of laying groundwork and building community support, completing the process to get this property ready for sale is a landmark moment,” said Executive Director An Lewis. “Clean, insurable titles are the key to turning around blighted properties and stabilizing neighborhoods. We have taken all steps necessary to clear all of the liens on this property so that the new owner may obtain title insurance, a key protection from the liability of the previous owners’ past neglect.”

The Edgewood property was abandoned and tax delinquent for more than 10 years after the owners left. Edgewood sought the land bank’s help after failing to find a buyer after multiple attempts.

Details on properties owned by the land bank can be found on the organization’s website.