The North Platte City Council on Oct. 21 approved several agreements to acquire vacant or dilapidated properties under a state Rural Community Recovery grant intended to return lots and houses to productive housing use.

What passed: after public hearings and staff presentations, the council approved purchase agreements for: 716 West Eighth Street (agreement with the estate of Joanne J. Riley), 1902 North Sheridan, 603 South Maple, and 1015 North Bryant (listed as 1015 North Bridal in the record). A separate proposed purchase of 2220 West Fourth Street was not approved.

Why it matters: city staff said the state award — a $1,250,000 Rural Community Recovery grant, plus an anticipated local match — aims to rehabilitate or clear problem properties so lots and housing can be returned to the market. City attorney and development staff stressed time sensitivity: “time is of the essence,” and staff must obligate grant funds by September 2026.

Public comment and staff findings: speakers during the 716 West Eighth hearing described long-standing vacancy, interior damage, animal intrusion, and abandoned vehicles; Eric Seacrest (speaking at the Chamber’s request) said the grant “is likely a once in a lifetime opportunity for the North Platte.” Matt Peterson identified himself as special administrator for one estate and described interior conditions that included “feces on the floor” and heavy hoarding, and neighbors urged cleanup. Development staff and the city attorney said title issues and missing heirs had delayed private sales and that city involvement could accelerate remediation and prepare lots for resale. City staff said some properties may be prepared (cleaned, boarded, or demolished) and then marketed; however, proceeds from sales taken before the grant period ends must be re-spent under the grant rules, so staff said timing matters for creating a revolving fund after grant closeout.

Costs and timing: Kevin (finance staff) said the city began with $1,445,000 in grant+match funds and had about $1,271,000 remaining to allocate. Staff estimated average demolition bids run roughly $4,750–$14,400 depending on the site; development staff said preparing a parcel for resale can include surveying, lot consolidation or subdivision, and correcting title or encroachment issues.

Council action and rationale: proponents emphasized clearing neighborhood eyesores quickly and converting public infrastructure back to productive use. Opponents cautioned about market distortion and urged attempts to market properties to private buyers where feasible. After debate the council approved the listed agreements; for 2220 West Fourth Street councilmembers declined the purchase because that lot was vacant and marketable and did not show the same blight or title obstacles as the other parcels.

Votes and motions (summary): the council moved and approved the following agreements during the meeting (movers and seconders recorded from the meeting):
- 716 West Eighth Street (estate of Joanne J. Riley): motion to approve (mover Volz; seconder McNew) — approved.
- 1902 North Sheridan: motion to approve (mover Volz; seconder Flanders) — approved.
- 603 South Maple (Jennifer Gilliland): motion to approve (mover McNew; seconder Di) — approved.
- 2220 West Fourth Street (Donald Snyder): motion to approve — motion failed after discussion of marketability and encroachments.
- 1015 North Bryant (CJK Holdings LLC): motion to approve (mover Marrow; seconder Volz) — approved; staff noted the mayor voted to achieve a majority after legal review because a full council majority was required for appropriation actions.

Next steps and constraints: for properties the city acquires, staff will secure lots, handle upkeep (mowing/maintenance billed to grant funds while in city ownership), obtain surveys, and prepare parcels for sale or rehabilitation. Staff emphasized that proceeds from sales realized before grant closeout must be re-spent under the grant; conversely, proceeds collected after the grant closeout could become a local revolving fund to continue neighborhood remediation.