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Albert Lea council approves $20,000 purchase of 338 Broadway to remove blight; demolition could cost $200K–$300K
Summary
Council approved buying 338 Broadway South for $20,000 and providing up to $10,000 in moving costs to clear blight and enable redevelopment; the city manager said demolition could range from $200,000 to $300,000 depending on asbestos testing and salvage options.
The Albert Lea City Council voted to buy the blighted property at 338 Broadway South for $20,000 and to provide up to $10,000 in moving costs to help clear debris and facilitate reuse or demolition.
The city manager explained the purchase is intended to give the city greater control over demolition and any future redevelopment and could avoid longer, costlier court processes. "I would recommend that we purchase the property for $20,000 and provide up to $10,000 in moving cost," the city manager said.
When Councilors pressed for an estimate on demolition, the city manager said the city has not yet completed asbestos testing and that costs depend on testing outcomes and contractors hired. "Our budget has ranged between 200 to 300,000 dependent upon what ifs," the city manager said, adding the city expects to make landfill space available to lower disposal costs and that the historical society has already asked whether items of historical value could be salvaged.
Council discussed interim site plans if the building is removed, including grading and grassing the lot, and the city manager said the goal is to retain control to increase the chances that a TIF or developer-driven redevelopment could repay demolition or acquisition costs later. Councilor Christiansen commended staff for working on infill lots and said the acquisition helps address the city's housing and blight goals.
Council approved the resolution to purchase 338 Broadway and make findings regarding substandard buildings; the motion carried without recorded roll-call tallies spoken into the record.
