Gladstone council picks Weldon Development for former library site, authorizes negotiations

The Gladstone City Council voted 6‑0 to accept the Gladstone Library Blue Ribbon Committee’s recommendation to select Weldon Development for the former library property at 135 East Dartmouth and to authorize the city administrator and city attorney to draft and negotiate a development and disposition agreement (DDA).

Administrator Betts and staff summarized outreach (open houses and a community survey) and explained that the proposed DDA will include purchase price, disposition terms, development timeline, compliance standards and the public‑benefit commitments that the developer proposes. Staff emphasized that any final agreement would be presented to the council in a future public packet for consideration and approval.

Councilors praised the Blue Ribbon Committee’s work and said the proposal could anchor downtown. Mayor Milch read two letters from fifth‑grade students suggesting alternative uses (including a community pool); staff noted existing partnerships (e.g., swim lessons at 24 Hour Fitness) that partially address aquatic access concerns and said such options could be considered in future negotiations.

Councilor Garlington made the motion to accept the recommendation and authorize negotiations; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call 6‑0. Mayor Milch directed staff to proceed with negotiating the DDA and to bring a final agreement back to the council for a public vote.

Next steps: city attorney and administrator to negotiate terms with Weldon Development; staff will return to a public meeting with the full proposed DDA for council approval.