MEMPHIS – One of the city of Memphis’ newest initiatives to aid in fighting blight is scheduled to launch in 2016.
The mow-to-own ordinance is an avenue for property owners to mow an adjoining city- or county-owned vacant lot to earn credits toward buying it, The Commercial Appeal reported. Property owners can register, pay a $175 fee and maintain the vacant lot adjacent to their own property over a period of up to three years.
Councilman Berlin Boyd, who sponsored the ordinance, said residents must first contact the Shelby County Land Bank beginning Jan. 4 to determine if the lot they’re interested in is eligible for the program.
“We’re just the most logical place to start,” said Dawn Kinard, land bank administrator.
If the property is eligible, the city’s General Services division will send the owner an application.