Council voices concern over blighted downtown properties, asks staff to explore enforcement and acquisition options

Multiple councilors raised concerns about persistent blight at several downtown properties, including what they referred to as the American building, a former cleaners site with visible blue-tarp damage and the Vega property, which has been the subject of complaints about camping and debris. Councilors said owners had not made adequate repairs and that the conditions were harming downtown revitalization and public perception.

Mayor Joe Benedetti said he wanted staff to “figure something out” and asked the city attorney to research legal options including a quick take or other acquisition approaches. A councilor noted past experience with a downtown structure that required costly demolition and replacement with a parking lot and said the council must weigh the costs and legal processes for action. Staff counsel responded with a procedural description: an acquisition or quick-take requires appraisal and potential litigation over fair market value; the city would need to determine funding and legal steps.

Councilor Carmen and others urged outreach to property owner representatives who have previously engaged with the city—Rob Crocker was cited as a local developer who has offered assistance—and asked staff to schedule a work session or meeting so the council could hear from downtown stakeholders on options and constraints. No formal motion was made at the meeting; council members expressed consensus to pursue analysis and potential next steps with staff and to report back at a future meeting.