Town of Greenburgh Poised to Foreclose on 128 Properties
Brought on in large part by the Great Recession, the Town of Greenburgh had been faced with 479 properties that had not paid taxes in or before 2010.
According to Town Supervisor Paul Feiner when the foreclosure proceedings began in 2013, the Town sent out eight letters to each property owner advising them about the potential of foreclosure and what could be done to avoid a final action.
Since that time, the total number has been reduced to 128 properties including 50 residential (including apartments), 65 vacant properties and 13 commercial. The amount of back taxes and liens owed to the Town of Greenburgh including interest and charges is $11.2 million.
The last day for redemption by an owner is October 16, 2015.
Feiner is urging property owners to contact Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO), an organization designated by New York State to accept applications for the Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP). This soft loan can pay up to $40k to homeowners facing foreclosure in delinquent taxes, or mortgage payments for reinstatement of the mortgage or maintenance fees arrears (www.nysmap.org). The application process takes 45 days and property owners are advised to act fast.
In an email Feiner said he feels bad about the foreclosures, but is pleased that many properties on the original list had avoided the foreclosure process.
Feiner also advised that in the future the town will be conducting foreclosure proceedings on properties it is able to take possession of annually and won’t wait years before conducting foreclosure proceedings.
“We will initiate the efforts to collect taxes on properties that have fallen behind from 2011-2013 shortly. I will be sending those property owners a letter soon,” Feiner said. “I have also asked the Town Attorney’s office to provide the Town Board with policy recommendations regarding the sale of properties we will take possession of.”
