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Williamsport City Council approved on first reading Thursday designating the Redevelopment Authority as a Land Bank Authority to improve economic conditions and eliminate residential, commercial and industrial blight.
Under the state Legislature, the land bank authority has what's called a "trump bid," which enables the city authority to purchase properties that are in tax default or "underwater" as Mayor Derek Slaughter said.
The bid empowers the city Redevelopment Authority to acquire the property without other bids so it can begin to address the ongoing problems of properties that are in a perpetual cycle of disrepair and identify "slum lords" who allow these properties to languish.
The land bank is another tool in the city's tool pouch and can work in concert with the Blighted Properties Review Board Committee by giving the city "teeth" both legislatively and monetarily to go after these properties.
An example of the land bank working was given as Pittston, where Slaughter said he met with Mayor Michael Lombardo.
A management agreement or memorandum of understanding between the city entities would by the next step following the vote.
The intention is never to displace individuals but rather keep people in their homes, Slaughter said.
Councilwoman Liz Miele noted it would be just as important to not only see that the land bank is funded through the rescue plan funds but to ensure the land bank and its acquisitions are implemented well and are advantageous to the city and its taxpayers.
The vote was unanimous by council.