SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll is asking HUD to cancel the auction of nine failed properties. Driscoll asked HUD secretary Roy Bernardi in a letter to cancel the April 15th auction so that the city can develop a negotiated sale of the properties.

The buildings were initially scheduled to be auctioned last month but the city received a postponement. The city has had discussions with the National Housing trust about purchasing and renovating the properties.

The Mayor is also asking HUD to break up the properties so that they can be sold individually.