One of the homes up for auction.
The Wayne County property auction for 2015, which began its second phase this week, could result in mass evictions in Detroit.
Joel Kurth of The Detroit News reports:
Wayne County’s tax foreclosure auction — the largest in North America — is stoking fears of widespread evictions in Detroit, where an estimated 8,000 of the 25,000 homes up for sale this month are occupied.
The online auction of properties with at least three years of delinquencies began in September and continues this month. But its full toll may take months to realize, when deeds are transferred, court hearings are exhausted and evictions are served.
The News spoke to Cheryl West, 68, who was evicted from her home of 60 years in May after it was sold to a landlord to satisfy $15,600 in overdue taxes.
“It was insanity. Pure hell,” said West, 68, a music teacher and former medical writer. “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. ... I’m afraid for a society that condones this sort of treatment of senior citizens.”
Related coverage:
Oberholtzer: A Non-Asshole Guide to Wayne County's Property Auction, Oct. 5
