May 20, 2013
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Instead of auctioning off unwanted, surplus property in Knox County, officials have decided to try a new tactic: improving them.
Knox County Commissioners have asked local housing operations to submit requests for proposals to rehab the properties by cleaning them up, building a house or two, and then selling them.
There are dozens of the neglected parcels available in the city and county, though many are near downtown.
Knox County delinquent property attorney Chad Tindell is spearheading the effort with the county's Community Development Department. Tindell told the Knoxville News Sentinel that he hopes the effort will improve the neighborhoods and add the properties back to the tax rolls.
