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Council approves Newton Street property acquisitions under PEMA grant to remove landslide-damaged homes
Summary
Council committees approved a resolution authorizing property acquisitions funded by a PEMA grant to advance the Newton Street landslide remediation project. Staff said the grant covers the full purchase cost and planned demolition to convert the site to green space.
The Public Works and Infrastructure committee authorized agreements of sale tied to the Newton Street landslide remediation project (bill 23-28). City staff told the committee the project is funded by a PEMA grant and that the grant would fund the full acquisition cost.
Director comments in committee described a multi-parcel buyout to remove landslide-vulnerable homes, demolish unsafe structures and convert the area to permanent green space to reduce future risk. Committee members asked how many homes would be acquired; staff said approximately six homes across the affected block and confirmed several structures were vacant or condemned and that two households had voluntarily agreed to move.
The committee gave an affirmative recommendation by voice vote. Staff said the project will remove at-risk structures and take the roadway out of service in that corridor after demolition; exact timelines and demolition schedules will be set by the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure once transactions close.
Clarifying details
Staff said the acquisitions are funded by a PEMA (federal disaster) grant and therefore described as 100% federal funded. The number of properties to be acquired was given as "a couple" in committee; staff later confirmed the project affects roughly six residences in the project footprint. Council members noted that some properties are condemned while others are occupied but cooperating.
What comes next
The city will complete purchase agreements with property owners per the resolution, acquire the parcels, and schedule demolition and site stabilization. Further committee or council actions were not required at the standing-committee meeting.
