Can I Make the City Take Ownership of My Property if I Want to Abandon It?
Full Question:
Answer:
Generally, a city will not take ownership just because the owner no longer wishes to own the property. You cannot walk away from a property or pass title to another, including the city where it is located, without the other party agreeing to the transfer.
We suggest contacting your local legislator or council person to inquire into the possibility of donating the property for charitable purposes. They may be able to suggest entities that would agree to have the property transferred into their name.
See also:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/home/home.shtml/
https://www.dhcr.state.ny.us/AboutUs/contact.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/16/nyregion/renovation-program-is-running-out-of-abandoned-housing.html
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2007/11/why_are_there_1.php