Norway council directs city attorney to acquire blighted 524 Mine Street for $1 and pursue removal

The Norway City Council voted to direct the city attorney to take steps to acquire the deteriorated structure at 524 Mine Street for $1 and to begin the process that could lead to its removal.

Staff described the house as long-unoccupied with roof damage and broken windows, likely unrepairable for habitation. Staff said one option is pursuing the dangerous buildings ordinance, which would trigger hearings, possible liens and a longer process that may still leave the city covering cleanup costs. The owner offered to sell the property for $1 so the city could “move forward at our will” and control remediation, staff said.

"If we own it then we can kind of control it more," staff told the council, adding that the city would front costs for inspection, hazardous-material remediation if needed, and demolition, and would then try to recoup money by marketing the cleared lot for sale.

Council members discussed cost tradeoffs between a negotiated acquisition and the longer hazardous-buildings process. A motion directing the city attorney to pursue acquisition of the property for $1 and to start removal-related steps was supported and carried. The transcript records one recorded 'nay' vote (Miss Langas); other members voted in favor.

Council indicated remediation costs would be addressed in a future budget cycle and that staff would seek to recoup expenditures through eventual sale of the lot.