Speak Up: Don’t Privatize Public Property Sales
If we want to change how we sell public land, if we want to expedite Council’s ability to take part in private sale, let’s start with a community conversation—not a vote. Just like we did with Short-Term Rental legislation.
Tonight, at 6:30PM, 120 N Duke St, Lancaster City Council will vote on Administrative Bill No. 03-2025—a proposal that would change how the City sells public property, allowing future sales to happen through private real estate brokers instead of public bidding or auction.
I believe Council should either table or reject this bill. If we’re going to expand the City’s power to sell public land outside of traditional channels, that decision deserves a broader conversation—with you. Not just a resolution for each sale, but a public process rooted in transparency and community trust.
I’ve already made my position clear on this bill. I believe that when we sell public land, the process should stay as public as possible. The current system might not be perfect, but it keeps things out in the open. It forces elected officials to make the case in daylight, not behind closed doors. Projects not getting good bids like the Station Six sale have stirred up frustration within the administration—but rather than improving community engagement and updating the Zoning Code to get better projects, they’ve gone right to giving up on public process. This bill allows the government to sidestep it almost entirely; the interface is minimal. It privatizes public property sale, and maybe the assistance of realtor could be useful, but not without caution.
I have a prior commitment tonight and may not be able to get there before the vote. And honestly? That’s okay. Because this isn’t about me.
What Council needs to hear—loudly and clearly—is how you feel about this shift in power and process. If you believe the public should have a stronger voice in decisions about public land, then tonight is your night to show up and speak.
It’s your city. Your neighborhoods. Your future. And your voice carries more weight than you know.
Thank you for your attention,
Tony Dastra
P.S. I’ll try to arrive as soon as I can. Thanks for understanding.
