Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Acquisition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dayton EDA agrees to explore acquiring house from 3 Rivers Park District amid steep moving costs
Summary
The EDA voted to explore purchasing a house 3 Rivers Park District offered to sell for $100,000, while members warned moving and prepping the structure could cost roughly $500,000–$550,000 and discussed negotiating a lower purchase price or leaving it to auction.
The Dayton City Economic Development Authority voted July 15 to pursue negotiations and further analysis on a house 3 Rivers Park District offered to the city for $100,000 if the structure is moved from the park district’s site by Oct. 1.
Staff member (S1) said the house has an appraisal value cited in the packet at $400,000 and that the park district’s offer includes a strict deadline: move the building by Oct. 1 or the city loses its preferential price. Staff also cautioned that the cost to move, install a foundation and reconnect utilities at the proposed Old Village site could be roughly $500,000–$550,000. One EDA member noted that those moving and preparation costs could exceed the house’s appraisal and asked staff to seek clearer, concrete estimates before any purchase.
Members discussed alternatives including asking 3 Rivers to remove the house, letting the property go to auction, or negotiating a lower sale price. Several members emphasized the EDA’s mission includes improving neighborhoods rather than purely seeking profit, and noted a relocation could bring blighted property back onto the tax rolls. S4 moved that the EDA “explore that direction” and authorize staff to negotiate and return with concrete numbers; S2 seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.
Staff said the city council must make a decision by its next meeting (timeline in the packet referenced a council meeting deadline of July 22) and directed staff to coordinate with Hennepin County and 3 Rivers Park District to clarify costs, options and timing. The EDA did not record a roll‑call of individual votes in the transcript; the motion passed by voice vote.
