Board reopens discussion on selling or remediating two vacant properties; demolition could cost $0.5M–$1M per building

The board resumed discussion of two vacant district properties (Herrick Park and Patterson) after staff reported an unsolicited offer received during spring break had fallen through.

Superintendent Hilton reviewed board policy 30105, explaining the district may sell, lease or otherwise convey property and may market properties through brokers or public listings. He said the district has had initial conversations with the Michigan Land Bank as one option; the Land Bank could, if accepted, level the buildings and prepare the sites for reuse.

Trustees and staff discussed demolition and redevelopment considerations. Director of Operations Josh Madsen provided a wide demolition-cost range — “anywhere from half a million to a million” per building — depending on abatement needs for ceiling materials, piping and other hazardous components. Board members recalled earlier bond planning had allocated $500,000 per building as a budget assumption; staff cautioned that inflation and current market conditions mean newer estimates may be higher.

Zoning and marketability were also discussed. Staff said rezoning would start with the planning commission and can take roughly six months, followed by city council approval. Trustees discussed seeking an appraiser’s opinion on post-demolition land value and possibly engaging a realtor experienced in investor-led redevelopment. Board members expressed interest in adding conditions to any sale that would require timely follow-through by buyers and wanted the city to be a partner in seeking rezoning or reuse options.

No formal action was taken; staff said they would bring cost estimates and appraisals to the facilities committee and continue conversations with the city and the Michigan Land Bank.