Town could seek grant funding for demolition of buildings

PHIL CAMPBELL — Councilmembers have decided to pursue grant funding as an option to address a group of deteriorating buildings in the downtown sector.

Kreg Kennedy, senior district field representative for Congressman Robert Aderholt, toured the buildings May 14 after town officials provided information about hazardous conditions, including falling bricks and walls that have started to separate.

Mayor Greg Williams said the town is pursuing a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that could help fund demolition efforts.

If the funding is received, an engineer would be hired to prepare demolition safety plans with those costs covered by the grant.

Kennedy said the congressman’s office requested information from the Congressional Research Service regarding possible funding opportunities, including grants, lowinterest loans, and public- private partnerships. He said Aderholt’s office would support future grant applications tied to the buildings, including providing a letter of support for the town’s application packet.

Williams said the town must acquire ownership of the properties before pursuing the funding.

Councilmembers have also approved revisions to the town’s unsafe structures and dangerous buildings ordinance. Williams said the changes included reorganizing portions of the ordinance and adding fines.

Councilmembers also approved purchasing about two acres near Ball Park Road for $4,000 after Williams said the town wanted to prevent unwanted development near the ballparks.