City of Philadelphia to Sell Two Vacant Lots Used as Northern Liberties Community Spaces

The Inquirer reported this morning on the anger and frustration of Northern Liberties neighbors who have cared for and utilized two vacant lots in their neighborhood.  The lots at the center of attention are 1114 N. 4th and 1015 N. Leithgow.  According to the article, the neighbors have used these lots for Halloween festivities, Easter celebrations, birthday parties, etc.  One neighbor also said the property owner adjacent to the lot pictured above, has tried for ten years to purchase the lot.  The neighbors met last night to discuss the matter and may scramble to put together the money to bid on the lots themselves.  The frustration over the process of purchasing vacant city lots has often been in the headlines.  In a previous post I discussed the Blighted Property Conservation Act which developed out of a court case in which a non profit was awarded conservatorship over vacant lots they were trying to improve.  Since the Northern Liberties lots are scheduled to be auctioned, it is probably too late for the neighborhood association to take this route.  You have to wonder if the city gave the neighborhood enough notice to consider options such as this.