Six properties that are in fore- closure will be purchased by the Tucumcari Greater Economic Development Corp,. TGED. The City Commission met at a special meeting on Friday and approved the purchases, which will cost $6,839.38. The properties would have been auctioned, for back taxes, at the upcoming sale on Tuesday by the state at the Quay County Courthouse. The city also had liens on several of the properties for clean- ups it has conducted on the lots. The funds to purchase the properites will come from the economic devel- opment tax for property tax. A property at 1007 Center St., will be a “quick turn” and be sold to Estavan and Victoria Martinez. City manager Richard Primrose said the Martinez’ had expressed interest in purchasing the property for some time. Pete Kampfer, executive direc- tor of TGED, said the purchases were part of an effort to clean and spruce up the city. Most of the properties are lots with no homes or with homes in poor condition, Kampfer said. Commissioner Jim Witcher asked if the lots could be used for homes to be built by Habitat for Humanity. Kampfer said they could possibly be used for that program. A habitat program is expected to be launched in Tucumcari thanks to a recently awarded federal grant to be adminstered by Mesalands Community College. City commissioner Chris Maestas said he thought the proper- ties may not be legally clear for sale. Primrose said he had checked with the city's attorney and there did not appear to be a problem. Commissioner Jim Lafferty asked the attorney’s legal opinion be put in writing and attached the resolution agreeing on the sale. Mayor Pro tem Antonio Apadoca questioned the sale to the Martinez’ and wondered if it could possibly set a precedent, where the city or the TGED did not realize more money for the sales of its properties. Witcher said the property should be sold to the Martinez' with the proviso that it is to be cleaned up within six months after closing on the property. Maestas was the only one the four commissioners present who did not approve the purchase. Mayor Mary Mayfield was unable to attend the meeting. The properties being sold to the TGED are at 601 and 1017 E. Center St., 523 E. Laughlin St,, 133 N. Seventh St, 406 N. Third