The Garnett City Commission will discuss the possible formation of a Land Bank at tonight’s City Commission Meeting. The majority of the Commissioners are supportive of forming the Land Bank, which would allow them to either purchase, foreclose or be gifted, run-down properties, which often owe back taxes, and to hold those properties tax-free as well as exempt back taxes to make them more attractive to a private developer and get the property back on the tax rolls. Right now there are several properties the City maintains by mowing the grass and other services.
The Land Bank idea is not without opposition. Mayor Greg Gwin has spoken against the Land Bank concept several times. At the last meeting, Gwin said he planned to oppose the measure and says he believes there would be other opposition from members of the Community as well.
On the Agenda tonight is a Resolution considering the establishment of a Redevelopment District and another in consideration of establishing a Land Bank.
