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Council ratifies emergency demolition at 402–404 E. Shawnee after fire concerns; mayors tie-breaking vote draws conflict allegation
Summary
The Freeport City Council ratified on March 3 an emergency demolition of the structure at 402–404 East Shawnee by Albert and Son Earthworks; the vote ended 4-4 and Mayor Miller cast the deciding vote, prompting an objection from Alderman Monroe that the mayor had a conflict of interest.
The Freeport City Council voted 5-4 on March 3 to ratify an emergency demolition of the structure at 402–404 East Shawnee carried out by Albert and Son Earthworks. The resolution produced extended debate over the legal basis for the demolition and led to a public allegation of a conflict of interest against Mayor Miller.
Director Duckman told the council the property had been declared a chronic nuisance in May 2024 and that a statutory “fast track” demolition notice was posted September 3, 2024. Because of “immediate health and safety concerns,” staff solicited bids on December 11, 2024; Albert and Son Earthworks submitted the lowest responsive bid at $19,700 and proceeded with demolition. Duckman described two confirmed arson incidents at the structure, citing the fire marshal’s…
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