Battle Ground County Council debates fate of downtown building amid CDBG funding constraints

In a recent Clark County Council meeting, discussions centered around the future of a building in downtown Battle Ground, which has fallen into disrepair and is currently under consideration for redevelopment. The council grappled with the building's potential sale, maintenance costs, and the implications of federal funding tied to its use.

Rebecca Royce, the program coordinator for community services, highlighted that the building was purchased using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which impose specific requirements on its use. These rules mandate that the building must serve low-income individuals until a five-year covenant expires. This stipulation complicates any plans for selling the property, as any proceeds would need to be reinvested into similar community services.

Council members expressed mixed feelings about the building's condition and its suitability for ongoing services. Some suggested that the investment of $1.7 million for repairs might not yield a worthwhile return, given the building's history as a former bank and its current physical constraints. The idea of demolishing the structure and starting anew was floated as a potentially more effective solution to better serve the community's needs.

The urgency of the decision was underscored by the impending deadline for a $200,000 grant application, which requires a public comment period. If the council opts to pursue the grant, they must act quickly to avoid delaying the process for other projects. However, concerns were raised about the risk of investing in repairs only to have the new owner demolish the building shortly after a sale.

As the council deliberates, they are also considering the possibility of collaborating with local entities, including the city of Battle Ground, to ensure that any future development aligns with community needs. The discussions reflect a broader challenge faced by local governments: balancing fiscal responsibility with the imperative to provide essential services to vulnerable populations. The council is expected to make a decision soon, weighing the potential benefits of maintaining the building against the costs and community impact.