PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh councilperson has introduced legislation to reestablish a program suspended for the last two years.
Councilperson Bob Charland says the city’s Side Yard Sale Program provides a simplified process for owner-occupants to acquire adjacent city-owned parcels at below-market prices.
His updated legislation to reestablish the program seeks to increase transparency about lot acquisition costs, thus addressing previous misconceptions that side lots could be purchased for a fixed price of $200.
The city’s Finance Department is developing a calculator to help buyers estimate total expenses of acquiring a lot, including variable fees such as the deed transfer tax.
Charland said the initiative has a history of success in local communities, particularly in Pittsburgh’s Hilltop neighborhoods. He noted that the program helps transfer underused and poorly maintained city land to residents who can extend their yards and maintain the properties.
Charland stressed the importance of a clear pricing structure for prospective buyers.
“We’re committed to upfront pricing with this program,” Charland said. “We don’t want this program to be like concert tickets where the listed price is reasonable, but when you check out, you are hit with additional service fees.”
Charland added that the goal is to make city processes user-friendly, encourage neighborhood investment, promote the productive reuse of vacant parcels and return properties to municipal tax rolls.
Jennifer Gula, the city’s director of finance, supports the program’s return and says residents have been requesting its comeback, too.
“This new version should be easier for residents to utilize and understand, as well as being more sustainable for the Finance Department to operate,” Gula said. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Under the proposed legislation, deed restrictions will remain, and City Council must still approve any property sale.
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