By Scott Taylor,Staff Writer

LEWISTON – Ten city-owned lots could go into private hands this month, according to city officials.

The sale could generate more than $200,000, said City Administrator Jim Bennett.

“The idea is to close by April 1,” Bennett said. “If we do, that could mean another $27,000 in property taxes, and that’s in addition to the one-time money.”

Councilors will review plans to sell the properties at a special meeting Tuesday. That meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m.

Norm Beauparlant, director of budget and purchasing, said he planned to release the details in the City Council packets Friday afternoon.

The council packet is available online at the city’s Web site, ci.lewiston.me.us.

The city began advertising in January to sell 36 lots around the city.

The city took over most of the lots in lieu of unpaid property taxes.

Beauparlant said he received 33 different proposals for 19 of the properties.

Potential buyers explained what they want to do, and city staff reviewed the proposals on Wednesday. They selected 10 projects they’ll present to councilors next week, and have another three they want to investigate more.

“We have single-family homes proposed to be built for a couple of the lots and condominiums on another,” Bennett said. “We have some commercial projects proposed and some for people that just need off-street parking for nearby buildings.”

The package also includes a proposal from Habitat for Humanity to take over one lot and build a house, with the aid of a local vocational school. That house would be put on the market, Bennett said.

“We did what we hoped we’d do,” Bennett said. “We think we’ve found a way to generate some economic development and pick up $27,000 in taxes that wouldn’t be paid otherwise.”