Each parcel offered for sale is fully described in the public notice, including an accurate parcel map and clear language noting that the parcels are small, irregular, or otherwise unsuitable for development.
If the above is true, they got exactly what they bid on. How did they think they won a a milti-million dollar parcel for $25k? Did they think that no one else bid on it?
Yeah, in a real estate transaction I'd be looking pretty hard at the documentation. Certainly before going and telling tenants I'm their new landlord!
I could see it being phrased confusingly, but there's really no way to judge without the listing.
It seems like a scam by the City to define such bits of land as parcels and sell them for revenue though...
Reminds me of this story about literally underwater lots. https://thefrontsteps.com/2021/07/08/yes-you-can-buy-san-francisco-land-underwater-literally/
why can anyone even buy that. wouldn't it make more sense for it to be split up and part of the nearest house lot or city owned for rear access for garage or something?
It's pretty common for these strips to be sold off separately, the idea being that they typically don't have much value independently, but as you say, can be combined with adjacent lots for access or expansion. Some speculators will buy them up, hoping to profit by selling thrm on when the owners of a neighbouring property want to extend.