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Oshkosh RDA approves sale of burned Fox Street lot to developer for $13,000
Summary
The Redevelopment Authority approved an offer from Viola Properties LLC to buy a city-owned lot on Fox Street for $13,000; the buyer must demolish the remaining garage and raise the new house to meet floodplain elevation.
The Redevelopment Authority (RDA) of the City of Oshkosh voted to approve an offer to purchase a vacant lot at the southwest corner of Graham and Fox streets for $13,000 from Viola Properties LLC.
The sale covers a parcel formerly occupied by a home that burned down; the RDA owns the lot after the prior owner donated it. The authority’s staff told members that the garage remains but is in poor condition and the buyer will demolish it as part of the planned single-family build.
The RDA staff said the authority’s cash outlay into the property is limited. Staff reported unpaid street assessments and closing costs totaling about $5,700 and additional tax costs, for "a little over $7,000" in total city costs into the lot. The proposed $13,000 purchase price exceeds the RDA’s net cost, staff said.
Staff and the developer discussed site constraints: the lot is in a floodplain and any new house must be raised to meet elevation requirements, which likely means a slab-on-grade design with no basement. Viola Properties’ representative told the board the company is already working on nearby projects, expects to begin on Fox Street soon after completing work on Jefferson Street, and estimated a two-and-a-half to three-month build time once started.
Board members asked whether the purchase agreement includes timing or completion requirements. Staff said the developer indicated an intent to begin after finishing the Jefferson Street house; the RDA did not specify a new enforcement deadline on the record. Board members requested broader policy discussion about adding deadlines or penalties when the RDA grants options or sales moving forward.
The motion to approve the sale (file 24-04) was moved and seconded; roll-call votes recorded Lasky, Shireman, Hutchinson, Konik, Belter and Newgauer as voting "Aye." The motion carried.
The RDA will finalize the closing and the buyer is responsible for demolition and elevation work required by floodplain rules. Staff said they will continue to monitor the project timetable and report back to the RDA as needed.
