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Columbia City RDC approves up to $4,000 for Phase I environmental assessments on four parcels
Summary
The Columbia City Redevelopment Commission authorized payment for Phase I environmental site assessments on four properties (up to $4,000 total), citing a former light plant and possible transformer contamination on one strip owned by Smith Brothers.
The Columbia City Redevelopment Commission voted Feb. 11 to authorize payment of up to $4,000 for a single Phase I environmental site assessment covering four city parcels.
Commission members said legal counsel recommended a combined Phase I rather than separate reports for each parcel. Commissioners discussed cost estimates: one representative noted a prior quote of about $3,500 from a consultant (identified in the meeting as Ice Miller), but the commission authorized up to $4,000 in case of higher costs.
Why it matters: The parcels include land once occupied by the city’s former light plant. Commissioners and staff said the site may contain contamination — “transformers tend to leak” was cited — and a narrow strip of land previously used by Smith Brothers remains under city title while most adjacent land transferred to private ownership.
Discussion and vote: A motion authorizing the Phase I was moved and seconded; the commission voted in favor. Commissioners authorized Carl Savage to sign or assign the agreement for the Phase I assessment.
Clarifying details provided at the meeting: staff said the Phase I would cover four properties and involve multiple owners; staff emphasized that a combined Phase I could reveal ownership or contamination information to current owners if the report were released. One staff member recommended staying with a single Phase I (less costly) rather than multiple, more-expensive reports.
Background: Much of the area was part of a former transformer yard connected with the city light plant; commissioners warned older transformer sites can carry contamination risk and said the city would follow legal counsel’s approach to due diligence before advancing development or sale.
