Clear Lake council approves sale of surplus lot at 14709 Palmer Avenue

The Clear Lake City Council voted unanimously Thursday to authorize sale of a vacant lot at 14709 Palmer Avenue, a parcel adjacent to the Highlands Bar & Grill that the city acquired after foreclosure and liens lapsed.

City staff said the lot formerly belonged to a now-defunct nonprofit and had been cleared of a blighted building with CalRecycle grant funds. The city paid $44,000 to acquire the property and is responsible for an abatement lien of just over $30,000 tied to the demolition work.

City officials said a nearby restaurant owner (identified in staff remarks as "Elam") has expressed interest in purchasing the parcel to provide additional parking and open space. Under the terms described by staff, the buyer would pay the city's acquisition cost and repay the abatement lien, which the city will use to reimburse CalRecycle.

Council member Saluton moved the sale and council member Kramer seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The city manager was authorized to execute necessary sale documents. Staff said the transaction follows prior council declaration of the parcel as surplus property and is intended to address ongoing issues with abandoned vehicles and blight on the lot.