The properties in question include 104 South 5th Street, 501 St. John’s Avenue, and 505 St. John’s Avenue. These parcels, including a parking lot and two gutted buildings, have been seen as underutilized assets. By declaring them surplus, the council hopes to attract buyers who can develop the sites, thus increasing foot traffic and tax revenue in the downtown area. The council member who proposed the motion emphasized that selling these properties would benefit the community by easing the financial burden of renovations and potentially boosting local business activity. A fourth property on St. John’s Avenue, currently utilized by the Children’s Advocacy Center, will be retained for future county use or partnerships, as it is a fully developed site.

The council also addressed the financial implications of the sale, noting that proceeds would return to the court improvement fund, from which the properties were initially purchased. This adherence to financial protocols ensures that the sale supports county infrastructure and legal requirements.

Additionally, the council discussed ongoing efforts to manage storm debris, particularly large trees obstructing roadways. Contractors are equipped to handle these situations, with provisions for cutting and removing large debris.