Foreclosure deadline extended in Detroit, Wayne County

DETROIT (AP) — Property owners facing tax foreclosure in Detroit and Wayne County will get more time to reach deals to save their homes.

County Treasurer Raymond Wojtowicz has extended Tuesday’s deadline to make payment arrangements on overdue taxes to June 8. Tuesday’s deadline was pushed back from March 31.

Foreclosure proceedings were started this year on about 75,000 properties with most being in Detroit. Taxes have been paid on nearly 20,000 and 24,000 others are on payment plans.

About 10,300 of the 30,000 properties still facing foreclosure are occupied.

Mayor Mike Duggan said Wojtowicz’ efforts are “vital to the stabilization and rebirth” of Detroit neighborhoods.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill this year that allows homeowners facing financial hardship to use a payment plan to pay off debts and avoid foreclosure.