The city hopes to turn a longtime vacant property into a townhouse development.

Councilman Bill May said the city this year took over the title of a former playground on Zeigler Avenue.

The 1.7-acre property recently was appraised at $75,000.

May said the city wants to sell the land to a developer that will build townhouses or condominiums.

“We want to get the property back on the tax rolls,” he said. “And it’s a type of housing that is lacking in the city.”

May estimated that up to a dozen townhouses could fit on the land.

The property was once a playground owned by the Franklin Glass Athletic Association.

“That group went defunct years ago,” May said.

The city took over ownership through a petition in court.

May said he first got interest in the city taking over the land before he served on council.

“I knew it wasn’t in use because they built another playground in Father Marinaro Park back in the 1990s,” he said. “It was sitting there, not being used by anyone.”

The councilman said the property should be desirable due to its proximity to Father Marinaro Park and the Butler-Freeport Trail.

“And its conveniently located in the city,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity for development.”

The land is listed for sale, and May said he is confident the city will find an interested buyer.

“Hopefully it happens sooner rather than later,” he said.