The Housing and Economic Development Commission discussed a bill that would help address the issue of vacant properties in Baltimore City.

“What this bill does is it allows the city government to purchase the property, be the preferred purchaser after a failed auction, and that way we can still acquire the property and make sure that we are doing something properly with it,” said Baltimore City Councilwoman Odette Ramos, D-District 14.

The bill discussion comes a week after a fire swept through several downtown vacant buildings.

“As of right now, I believe we’re anticipating four total buildings on the super block that were damaged in the fire will be razed,” said Baltimore City Councilman Zac Blanchard, D-District 11.

Ramos emphasized the importance of having options for dealing with

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