County reports progress on abandoned-property demolitions and redevelopment options

Anglin reported to the Public Safety Court Services meeting that the abandoned-property focus group did not meet this month but had substantive updates on several sites.

He said the county received an agreed order of abandonment in court last week for the Albina infirmary property; the county will assume deed, remove the structure, clean the site and then pursue conversation with a potential single-family housing developer. Anglin said the county will proceed with demolition and clean-up once deed transfer is complete.

Anglin also said he spoke with a local developer about the We Center School site and that proposals are under consideration, including possible housing or athletic-related uses; he said he did not have final details yet. He noted the City of Dixon completed demolition on five properties tied to a state grant and is eligible for $75,000 in reimbursement from county-allocated funds, while Amboy finished one demolition and has submitted documentation for reimbursement.

Anglin asked that funds be expended by November or the county will reallocate them to other internal projects. He said compliance staff are working with buyers at the former El Deenu School who have cleaned exterior debris and are coordinating interior work and salvaging.