Atlantic City Approves $1 Sale of City-Owned Lot

Vacant property to be developed into $300,000 home by Harlan couple

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:41pm

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A serene, sunlit painting of an empty city lot, conceptually representing the potential for new residential construction in Atlantic City.A vacant city lot awaits new life as Atlantic City officials approve a $1 sale to spur a $300,000 home development.Atlantic City Today

The Atlantic City Council has approved the sale of a city-owned vacant lot at 411 Birch Street to Paul and Kristi Wegner of Harlan for $1. As part of the deal, the Wegners plan to construct a $300,000, four-bedroom home on the site for their son and his roommates, as well as remove trees on the property.

Why it matters

This sale highlights Atlantic City's efforts to encourage new residential development and increase property values by disposing of underutilized city-owned land, even at below-market prices, in exchange for significant new construction projects that will add to the local tax base.

The details

Under the city's land disposal policy, properties may be sold for less than their assessed value if the proposed project will add at least $100,000 in new value. The Wegners' $300,000 home plan meets this requirement, prompting the City Council to approve the $1 sale. No other bids were submitted for the vacant $5,760 lot.

  • The Atlantic City Council reviewed and approved the property sale on April 15, 2026.

The players

Paul and Kristi Wegner

A couple from Harlan, Iowa who submitted the winning $1 bid to purchase the city-owned vacant lot at 411 Birch Street with plans to construct a $300,000 home.

John Lund

The Atlantic City Administrator who stated the Wegners' proposal meets the city's land disposal policy requirements.

Rob Clausen

The Atlantic Mayor.

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What they’re saying

“Under the City's land disposal policy, properties may be sold for less than their assessed value if the project adds at least $100,000 in new value. He stated the Wegners' proposal meets that requirement.”

— John Lund, Atlantic City Administrator

“No other bids have been submitted for the property. City policy requires the proposal to be presented to the City Council, which may either reject the offer or accept it and direct the City Administrator to work with the City Attorney to prepare the necessary transfer documents.”

— John Lund, Atlantic City Administrator

What’s next

The Atlantic City Council will work with the City Attorney to finalize the property transfer documents for the Wegners.

The takeaway

This sale demonstrates Atlantic City's proactive approach to leveraging its city-owned land assets to spur new residential development and increase property values, even if it means accepting below-market bids in exchange for significant new construction projects that will boost the local tax base.