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Council approves $395,000 purchase of private parcel to clear final easement for Springtime Avenue bridge project
Summary
The council approved buying 1838 Springtime Avenue for $385,000 plus closing costs (total not to exceed $395,000) to secure a property needed for a multi-bridge drainage and road project that has been delayed for nearly a decade.
The Clearwater City Council approved a contract Oct. 15 to purchase 1838 Springtime Avenue for an appraised value plus allowable closing costs, a step city staff said is necessary to complete a long‑delayed flood mitigation and bridge upgrade project.
Robert Kasmer of Public Works Engineering and Real Estate outlined the history: the stormwater project began nearly a decade ago and requires rights on nine affected properties; staff said they have secured all but two parcels. Kasmer said construction costs have increased from an original estimate of about $3.2 million to over $5.16 million and that additional delays would add substantial annual costs. He said eminent domain was considered but judged to be costly, time consuming, and poor public relations; the city has completed appraisals in case condemnation becomes necessary but is pursuing negotiated purchase instead.
Kasmer said the owner had listed the property at $395,000 and had reduced the asking price to $385,000. He described the parcel as having about 210 feet of creek frontage and usable space for staging and construction access. City staff said some unpermitted improvements on the parcel will be removed as part of the acquisition and that the property will be declared surplus and marketed for resale after the project is complete.
Council discussion included questions about whether an adjacent property (1843 Springtime) would be sold together; staff said the two properties are being handled separately and one remaining property still requires negotiation. After discussion, the council voted unanimously to authorize acquisition and closing within the budgeted cap of $395,000 including closing costs.
Ending
Acquisition of 1838 Springtime is intended to allow final easements and staging for the long‑planned bridge upgrades. Staff said the purchase should enable the city to proceed with construction once easements and funding are secured.
