Akron Reporter

Akron, Ohio, June 12, 2023 — Last week, Akron City Council approved the next round of the city’s Mow to Own Program. First launched in 2020, Akron has been able to give over 100 vacant city-owned lots away to nearby property owners to take care of and maintain. 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. This year’s list contains 44 vacant lots. Check out the map here or visit AkronLiving.org.

*This is not an open application program. Applications will be mailed to residents who qualify. An email inbox is being set up at MowToOwn@akronohio.gov for questions. If the lot you are interested in is not listed then it is not part of the program.*

Neighboring property owners and non-profits may be eligible to purchase city-owned property for the cost of mowing from the time a contract is signed through closing, in addition to paying standard closing fees (estimated to be around $100) at the time of transfer. Letters will be sent in the next two weeks to the adjacent property owners to notify them of the program and provide instructions for how to apply. There is no fee to apply for the lot. The Mow to Own program is part of a concentrated effort to tackle vacancy and abandonment, as well as to ensure that properties in the City are well-maintained. 

To be eligible, adjacent property owners must meet the following criteria:

1. All applicants must own the contiguous property and priority will be given to qualified owner-occupants.
2.  
3. The applicant shall not be delinquent on any real estate.
4.  
5. If an applicant owns other properties in the city, all of the owner’s properties shall be registered through the Rental Registration Program.
6.  
7. The applicant shall not have property maintenance, nuisance and/or building code violations on any properties they own.

The city will first mail letters to owner-occupied property owners adjacent to the lot. In the event the neighboring property owner does not want the lot or does not qualify for the program, the lot would then become available to property owners next to the lot who do not occupy the residence. If they don't want it, the lot is then open to local non-profit organizations and property owners within 300’ of the lot.

Once a resident applies and is accepted into the Mow to Own program, they will be responsible for the maintenance of that vacant lot. The lawn maintenance includes, but is not limited to, mowing, cutting, weeding, snow shoveling, litter removal, raking leaves, and other similar upkeep of the Property.

To see all the program details click here. To see a list of the available lots click here.

For more information including FAQs please visit Mow to Own Program page at https://akron-oh.civilspace.io/en/projects/mow-to-own-program.

Original source can be found here.