The Sweetwater City Council authorized Seed MDD funding for demolition and remediation of structures located at 110, 112 and 114 West Broadway and accepted Seed MDD’s recommendation to pursue the low bid from Red River Remediation.

Seed MDD staff told the council the properties include structures that present public-safety and blight concerns (one building had fallen toward an alley) and that the board had discussed continuing to prioritize properties requiring costly asbestos abatements. Staff said Seed MDD will work with city staff, including Jeff Allen, on pursuing demolition liens and, after tax foreclosure and sheriff’s sale, exploring interlocal agreements so lots could be used as incentives for redevelopment.

The council approved the funding in a recorded motion. Staff noted one previously demolished downtown structure (Lamar Street) remains in the owner’s name and could serve as a model for future redevelopment incentives. Seed MDD said it would return to the council with more detailed interlocal or redevelopment proposals when available.