Council approves sale of demolished lot at 115–117 W. McLaughlin to return funds to NSP II

Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 32-13 on Oct. 7 to sell the unbuildable floodplain lot at 115–117 W. McLaughlin Avenue. Jonathan Boeckman, CDBG program coordinator, said the City purchased the nuisance property in 2011 and demolished it in 2012 using Neighborhood Stabilization Program II funds. A broker had estimated $3,500 per lot for unbuildable parcels; the City received a cash purchase offer of $7,000.

Boeckman said proceeds will go back into NSP II program income to fund future demolitions, renovations and new-build projects. He told council the emergency designation is intended to reduce holding costs (mowing, taxes) and realize program income sooner. Council noted the City has generated roughly $350,000 in program income to date from NSP activities and that multiple lots and renovated homes remain in the pipeline.

Councilman Dan Kirkpatrick asked what the City originally paid; Boeckman said $22,000. Boeckman and council characterized the loss as an expected program outcome when buying and abating nuisance properties under NSP rules. Council approved the ordinance as an emergency measure.