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Kenmare program will pay for demolition of rundown houses

For owners of rundown or uninhabitable houses in Kenmare, the time is right to get their property cleaned up. Rather than the unwelcome nuisance notices some owners of unkempt properties have received in the past, a monetary incentive will now be available to those who demolish their dilapidated structures.

12/16/09 (Wed)

 

Property improvement program established . . . The Kenmare
Community Development Corporation is offering to pay up
to $3500 for owners of uninhabitable properties to demolish
their structures. They have identified about 38 residential
and commercial structures that are eligible. Interested parties
may contact the Kenmare Community Development Corporation
or the Kenmare City Auditor's office.

 

 

By Terry Froseth

 

For owners of rundown or uninhabitable houses in Kenmare, the time is right to get their property cleaned up. Rather than the unwelcome nuisance notices some owners of unkempt properties have received in the past, a monetary incentive will now be available to those who demolish their dilapidated structures.

 

At its monthly meeting Monday, the Kenmare City Council gave its approval to a Kenmare Community Development Corporation demolition program which will be partially funded through grants from the Fund Itt Committee.

 

The Development Corporation will pay a contractor up to $3500 for tearing down structures on properties eligible for the program. Fund Itt agreed to pay $2500 towards the total cost of each demolition. Fund Itt reserved the right to limit its participation based on its financial status.

 

The Development Corporation will promote and administer the program. They will identify properties that are eligible and send letters to the owners informing them of the opportunity to make an application to the program. Interested properties may also contact the Development Corporation on their own and submit an application. Structures other than houses may be eligible for the program too. Members of the Development Corporation board had identified about 38 residential and commercial properties that would qualify for the program.

 

In a letter to the Fund Itt Committee, Kenmare Community Development Corporation treasurer Jamie Livingston stated, “We feel the advantages of the program are to demolish eye sores in the community and to give the owners a better chance to sell their property to those who will make improvements to the lots and increase Kenmare’s tax base.”

 

Mayor Roger Ness commended the Development Corporation, calling the program one of the best things they could do for the city.

 

The Fund Itt Committee also reported they will be spending their one millionth city sales tax dollar in December. The city sales tax and the Fund Itt Committee were established in 1993.