By Craig Giammona
The dilapidated, boarded-up homes, have been eyesores for decades and have lowered the property values of adjacent homes, Sanders said.Sanders said the homes were taken by the city because of unpaid taxes and are now controlled by the New York City Housing Authority. NYCHA is preparing to auction off the homes and Sanders said he wants the properties to be purchased by young families.”I'm not interested in helping developers, I'm interested in helping young families,” Sanders. “I want families in there – families that want to live in my community.”It is unclear, however, how much Sanders can do to control who buys the five homes. Sanders said families interested in purchasing any of the homes, which are scattered throughout Laurelton and Rosedale, should contact him. But ultimately, the homes will go to the highest bidders and could potentially be purchased by real estate developers.Sanders also acknowledged that the homes need extensive renovation, which could price some families out of the market.One of the homes is located at 131-27 224th St. in Laurelton. City records show the city took control of the home in 1969. In 2005, a resident complained that the side door at the home was not locked and city records show a violation was issued. The building inspector who investigated the case noted that the rest of the house was locked. The home is zoned “R3-2,” a general residential zone that allows small multi-family apartment buildings and one and two-family homes.In all, NYCHA will auction off five homes, four of which are located in Laurelton. In addition to the home at 131-27 224th St., NYCHA owns a home next door at 131-25 224th St. that will be sold. City records show NYCHA has controlled the property since 1976. The NYCHA home in Rosedale is located at 241-51 132nd Rd. City records show that house has been owned by NYCHA since 1972.NYCHA will also auction off homes located at 221-16 134th Rd. and 137-35 220th Place, an aide to Sanders said.Reach reporter Craig Giammona by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.
