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Mayor says downtown fire site under investigation; demolition could cost "anywhere from 350,000 to 500,000"
Summary
Mayor Ezzard told the council a downtown building fire remains under investigation, the city does not own the damaged property, and any demolition would likely come from city reserves while staff explore grant options; he estimated demolition at $350,000–$500,000.
Jacksonville Mayor Ezzard updated the council on a downtown building fire that occurred a little less than two weeks earlier, saying the incident remains under investigation and that the city does not own the damaged property.
Ezzard said city staff are coordinating with county, fire and police personnel on the investigation and are exploring funding options if demolition becomes necessary. “If demo happens…ballpark right now…anywhere from 350,000 to 500,000,” Ezzard said, adding that the city may have to use reserves and is investigating whether grant programs could help offset costs. He named Brian Nyberg, Phil McCarty and an on-site contact, Jaren, as staff working on the issue.
The mayor emphasized unresolved ownership and legal questions that complicate immediate action: “We really don't know because there's a lot of unknowns,” he said, and cautioned against moving forward with demolition without clearing those issues and the ongoing investigation.
Ezzard said staff are also evaluating what materials on the site might be salvageable and will present a precise cost estimate if quick action is required. He said he may call a special meeting to seek appropriation authority if the city needs to act before grants or owner arrangements are finalized.
