Asking for a parcel that is owned by the city

[Levi Benton]

I am purchasing this home that is downtown in the business district. I got the home rezoned residential. The county auditor site says the building includes 12 parking spots. When I call the city they say that the parcel next to the building is owned by the city and those 12 spots are the cities. The parcel is between our home and the alley (road access).

We want the parcel for an easement to our garage and to remove the spaces and make a yard. Since the auditor site says it’s included with the address is there an argument there? Or is there a form I can submit to the city to request that parcel?

No one has paid property tax on that land since 1955 and I would love to maintain it and take it off the cities hand.

Has anyone dealt with anything like this and how would approach the city?