The City of Akron has announced the next round of 44 properties available in its “Mow to Own” program, giving adjacent property owners the opportunity to acquire vacant lots by mowing the land and paying standard closing fees.
“This takes strain off the city’s mowing crews and puts vacant land back into productive use while allowing homeowners the ability to increase and improve their yards and outdoor spaces,” city officials stated in the news release. Over the next two weeks, letters will be sent to adjacent property owners to inform them of the program and give them instructions on how to apply.The Mow to Own program is part of the city’s effort to tackle vacancy and abandonment and ensure properties in the city are well-maintained.1. All applicants must own the contiguous property and priority will be given to qualified owner-occupants.3.
The lots will be first offered to owner-occupied property owners adjacent to the lots. If the owner does not want the lot or does not qualify for the program, the lot would then become available to adjacent property owners who do not occupy the residence. If they do not want it, the lot will then be open to local non-profit organizations and property owners within 300 feet of the lot.