The Grant County commissioners approved deeding Lot 17, Block 59, to the City of Milbank during its regular meeting on Friday, July 21. The residential lot at 133 Diggs Avenue contains a home in foreclosure.
The city will apply for a grant under the Bulldoze, Beautify, Build (BBB) program to clean up the area and build an affordable house. “Our ultimate goal is to tear the house down, beautify the lot, and open the lot up for bids from local contractors with the agreement a house will be erected within a certain time frame and sold,” explained City of Milbank Administrator Jason Kettwig. “We do not see any downside in doing this. It will be a great improvement no matter what.”
Kettwig and Milbank Mayor Pat Raffety informed the commissioners the city is taking steps to address homes that are not properly maintained. The community has also been addressing the concern of inadequate housing. “Although this is the first time we are applying for this grant and taking on a project, there is great potential for continuing this type of project,” Mayor Raffety said.
“I think we should be willing to try the program,” said Commissioner Marty Buttke. “We need the houses; we need the taxes on the books. This is a perfect test case.”
In other business, the board reviewed the five-year plan and the 2018 Highway Department budget. A public hearing is set for September 5. The final adoption of the budget is scheduled for September 22.
The next regular meeting of the Grant County Commissioners is Tuesday, August 1, at 8 a.m. at the Grant County Courthouse.
Staff Writer
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