Urban Renewal Agency approves up to $50,000 grant to clear blighted site for 12-unit housing at 1414 Shady Lane

The Grants Pass Urban Renewal Agency voted May 6 to authorize a reimbursement grant not to exceed $50,000 to Future Properties LLC for demolition and debris removal of blighted buildings and for related infrastructure site-preparation at 1414 Shady Lane. Staff said the owner purchased the site in 2025 and that it contains burned, dilapidated structures that have attracted unhoused encampments. The proposed redevelopment plan calls for 12 multifamily units (six duplexes).

Dana Pierce presented background, explained the project meets urban-renewal priorities (blighted-building removal and underdeveloped-land remediation) and noted the FY26 URA budget included $250,000 for grants, with $167,405 previously awarded; $82,595 remained available. The grant is reimbursement-based: Future Properties must pay demolition/site-prep costs and provide receipts for reimbursement, and the grant requires that construction commence within two years of award to ensure follow-through.

Council members asked about hazardous-material handling and whether the fire department could use the structure for training; staff and a public-safety representative said the building's burned condition and hazardous-abatement needs make it unsuitable for live burn training. Council voted unanimously to approve the grant.