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Pittsburg accepts donation of vacant building at 616 North Broadway; donor and private pledge to support stabilization
Summary
The commission voted to accept donation of a vacant, historically significant building at 616 North Broadway from Shelly Robertson. A private donor has pledged up to $200,000 toward stabilization; initial city estimate of stabilization costs is $200,000 to $300,000. The city will secure the structure and not allow habitation while work proceeds.
The Pittsburg City Commission voted to accept ownership of the vacant building at 616 North Broadway after staff presented a donor offer and a private pledge toward stabilization costs.
City staff asked the commission to accept the donation from Shelly Robertson and to authorize the city to take title to the property. "We're just requesting a motion to accept this donation and authorize the city to receive the property from Miss Shelly Robertson," a city staff member said.
Commissioners asked staff how long the property had been owned and how long it had been vacant; staff said the business occupying the site closed in 2023 and the structure was later posted unsafe to occupy. The staff presentation did not identify how long the owner had held the property. When a commissioner asked how much stabilization would cost, staff gave an estimate of $200,000 to $300,000 and said a private donor had pledged up to $200,000 to help with those costs.
Commission discussion included concerns about repeated downtown properties falling into disrepair and a request that, if the city takes ownership, the structure be boarded and secured and that any unsafe openings be blocked to prevent habitation. Staff said the building will be secured and undergo active construction/stabilization if the city accepts the donation.
The commission moved, seconded and approved the motion by voice vote. Commissioners spoke in favor of pursuing options to preserve historic downtown buildings and noted interest from private individuals who sometimes ask the city about acquiring and stabilizing distressed properties.
Votes at a glance: Motion to accept donation of 616 North Broadway from Shelly Robertson and authorize the city to receive the property Approved (voice vote, all "aye").
