SYRACUSE – Mayor Matthew Driscoll is calling on federal officials to cancel a March 26 auction of seven large rental properties that the Department of Housing and Urban Development foreclosed on in Syracuse.

In a letter to HUD officials, Mayor Driscoll asked that the courthouse auction of the seven former Longley Jones properties be cancelled in favor of an RFP process for the properties. The Mayor believes an RFP process would allow more local input and careful selection of the most qualified management for the rental properties at a time when speculators have been focusing on the Syracuse property market.

 “Taking the highest bid in a hastily-called auction won’t guarantee that we get new ownership that is committed to managing quality rental property for the residents of Syracuse,” said Mayor Driscoll.

The properties included in this bid package are 407 Stolp Avenue; 1000 Bellevue Avenue; 1445 South Salina Street; 1530 East Genesee Street; 615 James Street;  622 James Street; and 828 South West Street, 400 West Onondaga Street and 410 West Onondaga Street. 

Joining the in the Mayor’s call to cancel the auction are representatives from Northeast Hawley Development Association, Housing Visions, Strathmore Neighborhood Association, Syracuse United Neighbors, Syracuse Model Neighborhood Corporation, Jubilee Homes and Prospect Hill Development Corporation.