Sample letter for approaching private lot owners
Paula Z. Segal, 596 Acres
Need help drafting a letter? Take a look at this example of what you might want to say:
[Date]
[Name this person],
I'm writing in regards to an empty lot at [insert lot address and city] that I believe you may have an affliation with as per the city's tax financial records. A group of neighbors and I are interested in temporarily using it as [insert use, perhaps a garden or community meeting spot] in the time period before development of the property becomes a reality. My hope with this letter is that you will be able to help get permission from the owner of the property to turn it into a community resource for the short term. If you are the owner, or know who the owner is, I would really appreciate your help with this.
The project would involve a group of community members who would use the space to [insert activities planned for the space, such as gardening or hosting events]. In return, the same group would help maintain the lot: keeping the lot clear of trash and debris, shoveling snow in the winter, and [insert other forms of maintenance]. We would be sure to obtain general liability insurance to cover anyone working on the property and will name the owner as an additional insured. We would also make sure that any project that is started would be marked as temporary to ease the transition of the land to development. We would be happy to sign a contract with the owner enumerating these promises.
In the furture, the City of New York is considering creating a tax credit for owners of vacant lots whose neighbors use them. Our collaboration at [insert the lot's address] can be a model for other communities working with private land owners.
Please let me know if this is something you can help with.
Best,
[Your Name and contact information]
