Disposing of Surplus Municipal Property
Redeveloping surplus municipal property can provide important economic and/or housing opportunities at the local level. The process for transferring ownership of these properties requires a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) from the municipality to ensure fairness and transparency.
To realize the full potential for redevelopment, municipalities should think strategically about the future of these properties and design a process that provides local officials, residents, and potential developers with the information needed to make the best decisions for everyone involved. MassDevelopment developed a guide for municipalities that goes beyond the legal framework and walks through important questions municipalities need to consider in order to be successful.
View Realizing the Development Potential of Municipal Sites: A Guidance Manual for the Effective Disposal of Surplus Municipal Property and examples of past local approvals, planning studies, and RFPs.
The Legal Framework
Disposing of municipal surplus lands is generally governed by M.G.L. Chapter 30B The Uniform Procurement Act. Further, The Chapter 30B Manual: Procuring Supplies, Services, and Real Property is an excellent publication regularly updated by the Office of the Inspector General.
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