City of Topeka purchases three foreclosed properties

TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – The City of Topeka placed three winning bids for foreclosed properties in southwest Topeka on Thursday.

The properties were identified for their development eligibility. Assistant City Manager Braxton Copley said they were selected because they had electric, sewer, gas and water utilities.

The city successfully purchased the following properties:

• 4625 SW Shenandoah Court, Topeka, KS 66610: Winning bid of $21,100.00.
• 4641 SW Shenandoah Court, Topeka, KS 66610: Winning bid of $9,110.00.
• 4649 SW Shenandoah Court, Topeka, KS 66610: Winning bid of $11,850.00.

“The City strategically chose not to disclose these bid caps beforehand, in order to avoid influencing other bidders and to prevent potential overbidding that could have resulted in the city losing the opportunity to purchase these properties,” City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett said. “By securing these properties at reasonable prices, the city aims to protect taxpayer resources while addressing the financial obligations tied to the properties.”

In the regular Sept. 17 City Council Meeting, the council voted 8-1 with Councilmember Christina Valdivia-Alcala the only one to vote “no” to grant the city manager the authority to bid on a number of foreclosed properties.

“We purchased these properties in an effort to secure the investment and back-due specials to help the public,” Rhiannon Friedmen, director of Planning and Development, said. “This approach ensures that the community benefits from the recovery of unpaid dues while also providing the opportunity for potential future development.”

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