Council approves sale of 204 3rd Street NE to high bidder with development conditions

The Independence City Council voted to award the sale of 204 3rd Street Northeast to Jared Donnelly for $5,000 after receiving two bids, one for $4,500 and Donnelly’s higher bid of $5,000.

At the public hearing there were no public comments. Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the sale agreement subject to conditions discussed on the record: the buyer must complete demolition within 90 days, perform site preparation in early summer 2026, and begin construction of a new structure in the fall of 2027 with completion targeted for spring 2028. Council members and staff emphasized that the sale only transfers ownership; the buyer must return to the council for a development agreement and for approvals to build a secondary structure under the city’s rules.

Council members discussed clarifying the buyer’s intentions, including whether the garage on site would be repaired immediately. The presiding official said the city will prepare a development agreement after the sale so a future tiny‑house or similar project can be considered and permitted under the city’s development procedures.

The motion to award the sale to Donnelly passed six to one; Councilmember Appleby recorded the lone no vote. The council recorded that the buyer intends to use the property in connection with the 2027–28 building trades school project, though final construction approvals must be obtained through the city’s standard review process.

Next steps: city staff will draft the development agreement and return it to council for final approval before any building permit is issued.