Spartanburg City News

It has been a problematic area within the city's north side for years, and after City Council voted unanimously to approve $1.9 million to purchase Oakview Apartments for the future construction of a new Dr. T.K. Gregg Community Center. The purchase marks the end of a long struggle to acquire the property from its owner, Related Companies, a New York-based real estate firm owned by multibillionaire and Miami Dolphins owner, Stephen Ross. The city condemned Oakview after attempts to purchase the property failed, and took possession in December, utilizing eminent domain. The purchase comes ahead of a civil trial that had been scheduled to begin July 18 to determine the property's value. Related had previously indicated it would not accept any offer below $2.4 million, the amount owed on its outstanding mortgage. The county assessor lists the property's value at $1.3 million. The City has already begun working with Spartanburg Housing Authority to relocate residents from the substandard units and will continue