City Selling Thousands Of Vacant Lots For $1 On South, West Sides

CHICAGO, IL — The City of Chicago is selling vacant residential lots for $1 each through a popular program. As of Friday, there were 3,219 lots available to buy through the annual Large Lot Program. There is land available in dozens of neighborhoods on the West, Southwest, South and East Sides.

The city acquired the lots mostly through demolition liens and property tax. Neighbors often buy the extra land to build outdoor gathering spaces and gardens, and neighborhoods are safer and cleaner when more landowners live in the area, the city said.

Buyers must already own land on the same block as the vacant lot, and must agree to keep the lot for at least five years before selling it. They are also asked to maintain the lot's appearance and pay property taxes.

More than 1,200 lots have been sold through the program. The city has already received 342 applications for this round.

Applications will be accepted through July 2, the city said. People can apply for up to two lots each.