Topeka extends deal deadline on foreclosed properties

TOPEKA (KSNT)—The City of Topeka is pushing back the timeline to work out a deal in the neighborhood where it bought three foreclosed properties in September.

On Tuesday, the Topeka City Council voted to extend the timeline for negotiating a contract to develop the Lauren's Bay neighborhood. Back in September, the city purchased the properties with the plan to work out a deal with well-known developer Jim Klausman.

When the city bought the properties they told 27 News that they chose not to disclose the cap on their bidding. The city successfully bought 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 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 plan was to get a contract signed to build houses by the end of the year. On Tuesday the city council voted to extend the deadline to March. Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala was the only council member to vote 'no'. She also voted not to grant the city manager the authority to bid on the foreclosed properties in September.

For more information on the properties the city bought, click here.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.