Mount Vernon council approves sale of old public works site for $250,000

The Mount Vernon City Council voted Feb. 18 to approve the sale of the city's former public works site at 1040 Second Avenue NW to an offeror for $250,000.

Staff told the council the purchase/sale contract meets the minimum terms the council set at a prior hearing and that the sale falls inside an urban renewal area. "The city has received an offer from Brian Barner for $250,000 which was the minimum that you set," staff said, adding the sale is subject to a later development agreement that would include valuation caps and a tax-abatement structure.

The council approved a resolution authorizing the sale in a voice vote. Staff said closing is scheduled for April 15 and that a development agreement will be returned to council for approval later; that agreement is expected to set a cap on valuation (staff referenced $375,000) and outline any tax-abatement steps.

Why it matters: disposing of underused city property can return a site to private use, expand the tax base and remove a maintenance obligation, but it also shifts future land-use control to a private developer. Staff emphasized that public-notice requirements were met and the transaction will include future council review of the development agreement.

Council members recorded vocal affirmative votes during the roll call. The resolution passed and staff will draft and present the development agreement and related documents at a subsequent meeting.

Next steps: staff will execute the closing as outlined in the purchase contract and present the development agreement for council consideration before any tax abatement or developer-specific incentives take effect.