Hartford City Council Moves to Sell Four City-Owned Properties

From the Hartford City City Council meeting on June 1, 2026

Hartford City Council voted 4-0 to begin the process of selling four city-owned properties, appointing itself as the "disposing agent" under Indiana law and authorizing the mayor to start appraisals.

The properties are two lots on South Pearl Street near an area known as "the prairie," a recently demolished house at 414 North Monroe, and a lot at 705 West Franklin. People have expressed interest in buying the Pearl Street lots to build houses, and a neighbor wants to develop the Monroe Street property.

City Attorney Tyler Rothstein said properties assessed under $10,000 can use an expedited sale process without a formal appraisal. Three of the four likely qualify. The Monroe Street property may still carry a high assessment from the demolished house and would need an appeal.

Rothstein also noted the city cannot donate properties to the Blackford Development Corporation, a nonprofit — state law requires a statutory bid process. Only transfers between government agencies are exempt.

"We have them. We're mowing them. Not collecting taxes. Why keep them?" Mayor Eckstein said. Appraisals are expected to take about a month, with an update at the July meeting.

Source: Meeting transcript — Hartford City - City Council Meeting - June 1, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.