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Buyouts update: dozens of properties in progress, several demolitions complete
Summary
City staff reported progress on post‑flood buyouts: 67 applicants, 27 council‑approved buyouts with 24 FEMA‑approved so far, 11 closings completed by the city and multiple demolitions underway under state management.
City staff updated the council on flood‑related buyouts and demolition progress tied to mitigation work.
The manager reported there were 67 buyout applicants after the 2023 flood; the council approved 27 buyouts clustered where mitigation value is highest. Staff said 24 of the 27 approved buyouts have FEMA approval and that the city has closed on 11 of the approved buyouts so far. The update noted two commercial and one late residential application remain in the FEMA process because commercial properties require additional environmental assessment.
Staff also reviewed demolition pacing: three demolitions were complete or nearly complete (including 25 Oswald and two Pike Street houses), two were underway, and others are scheduled; the state is managing demolition contracting, lane closures and abatement work. The manager estimated that if all approved buyouts proceed, the city will lose about $125,000 in annual property-tax revenue from the affected parcels, but stressed the mitigation value where buyouts are clustered.
