The Corinth City Council authorized the Corinth Economic Development Corporation to spend up to $125,000 to demolish and clear structures at 1212 and 1218 North Corinth Street, after asbestos and the age of the houses raised demolition costs.

City Manager Campbell told the council the EDC had budgeted about $70,000 in the current fiscal year to remove one house, expecting to cover both purchases for that amount. “However, we have run into, as you might expect, some asbestos issues to the ages of the house. So that has increased the cost to take down both of those houses to a $123,621,” Campbell said.

A councilmember asked whether staff could salvage artifacts from the houses or hold a salvage sale. Campbell said staff would check; he reported staff member Shelly had walked through the houses but that they appeared "really rough." Campbell said staff would double-check and, if salvageable items are found, would consider a sale.

A councilmember moved to approve the expenditure and authorize the City Manager to execute necessary documents. Another councilmember seconded, and the council voted unanimously to approve the EDC expenditure.

The EDC purchased the two properties as part of downtown efforts along North Corinth Street; staff said the demolition is intended to clear the sites for future redevelopment. The council did not vote on any specific redevelopment plan during the meeting.