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Allegan council directs staff to gather value and remediation estimates for contaminated Low Street parcel after developer interest
Summary
Council directed staff to obtain valuation, remediation‑cost estimates and buyer plans after discussing a contaminated Low Street parcel that a brewery proposed to buy; members debated procedures for selling city property and whether giving land for $1 is appropriate.
Allegan — The Allegan City Council on March 10 instructed staff to gather information about a contaminated parcel on Low Street that a local brewery has proposed to buy, including property value, estimated remediation costs and the buyer’s plans for jobs and tax generation.
City manager Joel reviewed the city’s historical approach to selling surplus parcels and presented the contested Low Street site, noting prior use, contamination and that a business (referred to at the meeting as Tantric/"Tantric Brewing") had petitioned the city with an offer to purchase for $1. Council members debated whether selling contaminated land for $1 is prudent stewardship. Concerns raised included fairness, transparency and whether residents had equal opportunity to pursue purchases; supporters of a sale cited potential local investment and job growth.
Council member Carl (Canales) and others asked for comparable valuations and remediation cost estimates; staff noted the assessed value in 2017 was $15,900 but that contamination could lower market value substantially. Council moved, and later amended, a motion directing staff to compile: (1) an appraisal or assessment‑based valuation reflecting contamination, (2) estimated remediation costs, (3) information from the interested buyer about jobs and investment, and (4) projected tax revenue impacts. The amended motion specifically added remediation‑cost estimates.
Council members discussed process options including advertising for offers, using a realtor or appraiser, or evaluating offers on a case‑by‑case basis consistent with existing guidelines; staff noted past sales sometimes used discretion to secure desirable projects. The council also confirmed that disposing of city property requires a supermajority under the charter and that any final sale would return to council for action. The motion to gather the information passed on a voice vote after amendment.
