NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council on Tuesday sold off a dilapidated property and approved borrowing of more than $600,000 for a new vacuum truck. 

 

The property at 135 East Quincy St. was acquired for back taxes through Land Court. Mayor Jennifer Macksey said the city had a buyer at $30,000. 

 

"Folks, I was shocked that we even got a buyer," she said. "When we took it, I was afraid we were really going to own it. The back of it is like missing it's in deplorable condition."

 

However, there were four or five interested buyers with the $30,000 cash bid being the best, the mayor said. The delinquent taxes on the property are $80,000.

 

"We are taking a loss on it, but again we're hopeful that they will flip it, so to say, and get it back on the tax rolls," said Macksey. "So technically, I don't have to ask you for permission, because it is a foreclosed property, but as I said before, I'd like to inform you of the good work that [Treasurer/Tax Collector] Jessica {Lincourt} is doing, and that we are moving these tax title properties through foreclosure, which we hate doing ...

 

"But this house has been vacant for a very long time, and we have a lot of complaints from the neighbors out there about this."

 

In answer to questions, Lincourt said 44 properties are currently in Land Court.