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EDA discusses purchase of downtown Somerville Street property; asks for environmental due diligence
Summary
The Shakopee Economic Development Authority discussed a $150,000 offer to buy a blighted commercial property at 124 Somerville Street South for redevelopment. Board members asked staff to complete environmental testing (asbestos and borings) and clarify demolition/cleanup costs before returning with a recommendation.
The Shakopee Economic Development Authority (EDA) held a discussion Aug. 6 about a potential purchase of 124 Somerville Street South, a former small-engine repair/automotive shop the city’s EDA was offered to buy for $150,000.
City staff described the seller’s outreach and the property’s long history as a blighted parcel downtown. The EDA heard concerns from members about potential contamination because of prior automotive uses and small-engine repair activities: board members asked whether the site had asbestos, whether borings or environmental tests had been done, and how demolition and cleanup costs would be assessed.
EDA staff noted the EDA’s role is to take on difficult properties to remove downtown blight and cited prior successful brownfield cleanups the city had completed. Board members urged a cautious approach: one recommended a contract that would allow immediate access for environmental testing and then renegotiate price depending on cleanup costs.
No purchase was approved at the meeting. The board directed staff to obtain environmental assessments (asbestos, soil borings and contamination screening), provide demolition cost estimates and return with those findings for a future vote.
