Manistee County Land Bank Authority accepts assignment to buy 267 Third Street for $12,000 and will demolish structure

The Manistee County Land Bank Authority voted April 3 to accept assignment of a City of Manistee purchase agreement dated March 18, 2026 with the Estate of Robin Forbes to acquire 267 Third Street for a purchase price of $12,000, and to demolish the structure using Round 3 Blight Elimination Program funds. The motion was made by Member Mitch Deisch, supported by Member Duane Jones, and passed by roll call with three yeas and two members absent.

Authority members discussed minor adjustments for back taxes and closing costs and confirmed sufficient grant funding to cover acquisition, environmental assessment and demolition without affecting other projects. Staff and partners indicated that assignment of the City's purchase agreement to the Land Bank Authority would streamline compliance with program requirements. Members also instructed staff to ensure competitive procurement for title services and demolition contractors, to include timeline expectations in RFPs, and to notify neighbors prior to demolition.

The Authority emphasized that while demolition would remove taxable value associated with the existing structure, the long‑term goal is elimination of blight and the creation of opportunities for housing or other community‑focused redevelopment. Assignment of the purchase agreement follows the language in section 13(a) regarding assignment/nominee and will be processed consistent with the agreement’s terms and grant requirements.