It seems to be a slow eminent domain process and a sneaky way to get those "old farts" out of their property.
Local governments' are in reality, letting you rent the property for the taxes.) They own it and will take your property if you don't pay the taxes.
That's what happens when the population has become a bunch of cooking frogs...you know, they just never catch on to the fact that they are being cooked until it's too late.
There are no property "rights" in the U.S.A.
Cooking frogs, excellent description.