Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY OFFICIALS TO ALLOCATE FUNDS FROM THE VACANT BUILDING REGISTRATION FUND IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $75,000 TO ASSIST THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF DULUTH TO PROVIDE FOR REMOVAL OF A STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND BUILDING IN THE CITY OF DULUTH. (REPLACEMENT)
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CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, the Vacant Building Registration Fund was created in 2015 via resolution 15-00865R to assist in the abatement and demolition of blighted and condemned structures within Duluth; and
WHEREAS, the Esmond Building (formerly Seaway Hotel) is severely damaged and condemned for human habitation; and
WHEREAS, the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) has authorized a Development Agreement with Merge, LLC for redevelopment of the property into a multi-family residential project resulting in 40 apartment units, the average rent set at a rate affordable to those earning an income at or below 80% of the area median income; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the city of Duluth will review said Development Agreement between DEDA and Merge, LLC at their August 16, 2021 meeting via resolution 21-0584R; and
WHEREAS, to assist Merge, LLC with the cost of redevelopment, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Duluth (HRA) will finance demolition of the structurally unsound building; and
WHEREAS, absent the proposal for redevelopment by Merge, LLC for redevelopment of the site, the existing building would still need to be razed at the earliest possible time, which would result in a vacant site; and
WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Duluth will provide to the City a copy of the demolition contract prior to work beginning and a certificate of completion once the demolition has been completed
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper city officials are hereby authorized to allocate funds from the Vacant Building Registration Fund (210-030-3132) in an amount not to exceed $75,000 to assist the HRA in the demolition of the E...
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