During a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the evaluation and potential acquisition of three new properties: the Van Dyke property, the Avery Street property, and the 100 Acre Marsh property. A staff committee conducted a public meeting on September 9, 2024, to rank these properties based on their composite scores, with the Van Dyke property receiving the highest score of 50.2, followed by Avery Street at 45.8, and 100 Acre Marsh at 41. The maximum possible score was 75.

Commission members expressed the need for more detailed information in future packets, including individual scores and rankings, to facilitate better comparisons. The next steps involve obtaining appraisals for the properties to determine their market value, which will inform funding options for potential purchases. The commission emphasized the importance of understanding the financial implications before making any decisions.

Concerns were raised regarding the Van Dyke property, particularly its historical significance and ecological value. Some commissioners questioned the criteria used for ranking, suggesting that the property’s low natural area values may not justify its high score. They also highlighted the need for a thorough examination of the property’s management and maintenance costs if acquired.

The discussion also touched on the condition of residential properties in the city, with a focus on a building condition survey conducted in 2016. The survey revealed that a significant portion of the city’s residential structures are aging, with 31% built before 1939. The planning department reported that 442 structures were classified as deteriorating, and 42 were deemed dilapidated. Recent follow-ups indicated that some of these properties have been demolished or renovated, but new concerns have emerged regarding additional structures needing attention.

Officials outlined a proactive approach to address the condition of these properties, including outreach to property owners for inspections and potential assistance with maintenance and rehabilitation. They acknowledged the need for a comprehensive update to the building condition survey, which is due by December 2025, to better assess the current state of residential properties.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to evaluating and potentially acquiring properties for conservation and community benefit while addressing the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and limited funding.