City Owned Property
How to Purchase City-Owned Property
The City has established a process for purchasing city-owned properties, whether by a single individual or a developer seeking one or multiple structures. The steps for acquisition are outlined below:
Application Process
- Submit an Application
– The application to purchase city-owned property is available on the City’s website.
– Interested buyers must complete the application in full and provide all required supporting documentation. - Application Review
– The application will be reviewed by the Department of Housing, in consultation with the Mayor, and the City’s legal counsel.
– If additional information is required or the application is denied, the applicant will be notified accordingly. - Committee and Council Review
– If the application proceeds, it will be reviewed by a relevant council committee, which includes the Mayor.
– The committee may request a presentation from the developer, though this is not always required.
– The council committee will then make a recommendation to the full City Council for final consideration. - Compliance with New Jersey Land Use Law
– The purchase must comply with all provisions of the New Jersey Land Use Law.
– The City must verify the developer’s background and qualifications, as outlined in the application. - Property Sales to Nonprofit Organizations
– The City may also sell property to nonprofit organizations that meet the necessary requirements. - Future Land Bank Management
– The City is currently working with the Cumberland County Improvement Authority, now referred to as “The Authority,” to serve as the City’s land bank.
– Once the land bank is operational, buyers will need to contact the land bank directly to acquire property. - Online Property Auctions
– Some properties will not be sold directly from the City to developers but may be sold via an online auction website.
– Interested buyers should check back in mid-February for updates on this process.
Developer-Specific Process
For those seeking to purchase City-owned property as a developer:
- Proposal Submission
– Developers must complete the “Proposal to Purchase” form available on the City’s website.
– The proposal should include all required documentation and must be scanned and emailed back to the City.
– There is no set price; applicants must specify their proposed purchase price. - Review for Completeness
– The City of Salem will review the proposal for completeness before proceeding. - Council Committee Consideration
– If the proposal is deemed complete, it will be reviewed by the appropriate council committee, which includes the Mayor.
– The committee will determine whether to recommend the proposal to the full City Council. - City Council Resolution
– If recommended, the full City Council will consider passing a resolution to begin redeveloper negotiations. - Negotiation of Terms
– Once the resolution passes, the City’s legal team and the applicant will negotiate the purchase price, terms, and conditions of the redeveloper agreement. - Final Approval
– Upon mutual agreement, the redeveloper agreement will return to the full City Council for approval.
– The agreement must pass through two ordinance readings, spaced 30 days apart, before final execution.
This structured process ensures transparency, compliance, and responsible redevelopment of city-owned properties.
City Owned Property
Area in Need of Rehabilitation
By way of City of Salem Resolution #13-152, the City of Salem has been designated as an “Area in Need of Rehabilitation” under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1, et seq., a city-wide designation.
The City of Salem has property available for negotiation and purchase. The list of properties available for purchase are listed below.
The City of Salem is pleased to provide a comprehensive list of all currently owned city properties.
This list is intended to offer transparency and keep residents informed about potential opportunities for development and homeownership.
It is important to note that the properties listed may follow different paths to new ownership:
- Some properties will be placed up for auction.
- Some properties will be sold directly to developers.
- Some properties will be donated to nonprofit organizations for development purposes.
City Policy and Priorities: The City of Salem maintains a clear policy regarding the sale and development of city-owned properties:
- Our primary goal is to increase homeownership within the community.
- For properties purchased with the intent to be resold (flipped), we prioritize ensuring they contribute to homeownership opportunities or are rented to responsible tenants.
Additional Considerations:
- The City reserves the right not to sell any property.
- Some properties may be non-conforming lots, which will be offered first to neighboring property owners.
- Certain properties will be transferred to the Land Bank for future development.
- The list of properties will be updated in April 2025 following the completion of the in rem foreclosure process in the courts.
Community Partnership: The City of Salem is proud to partner with Operation Hope, an organization committed to assisting community members in qualifying for mortgages and construction loans. This partnership is aimed at helping more residents achieve homeownership and strengthen our neighborhoods.
We encourage all residents to stay informed and consider the various opportunities available as we work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.