Wymore accepts $80,000 state grant to demolish Gambles building; council explores other blighted properties

The Wymore City Council on April 17 accepted an $80,000 grant from the State of Nebraska to demolish the Gambles building and authorized staff to begin outreach to the property owner to move the project forward, City Attorney Andy Carothers said.

Why it matters: council members said removing the Gambles building would address an obvious blight near downtown and may affect adjoining parcels. Carothers said he will contact the owner to start preparations; contractor Tim Sedlacek told the council he intends to secure the demolition bid.

Council discussion focused on minimizing impacts to neighboring properties. The Creeks asked that the small building between their property and the Gambles site be preserved as a buffer; council members discussed the possibility of gutting that structure rather than demolishing it. Carothers said he will reach out to Hazel Percival about that building.

Council and attendees also discussed the Wehrbein house, another dilapidated property. A council member reported the Fire Department had submitted two proposed burn dates with the Fire Marshal but had not received confirmation. Tim Sedlacek offered to contact contractor Tieman—who is scheduled to demolish a nearby house—to see whether he could tear down the Wehrbein house while working in the neighborhood. The city would provide backfill; the estimated contractor cost would be demolition plus dump fees, according to meeting remarks.

Next steps: Attorney Carothers will contact the Gambles building owner and follow up on the buffer building with Hazel Percival. The council did not record a formal demolition contract at the meeting; any award of a demolition contract or scheduling of work will be subject to procurement and contractor negotiation.