City looking to sell D&D property

The city is looking for a developer to construct four duplexes on several former D&D lots.

Last year, the city purchased properties in the 300 block between East Fourth Street North and East Fifth Street North. The structures were deemed dilapidated and demolished through the D&D program.

With the lots ready for construction, the city is looking to sell the property to an interested developer. The city is hoping that developer would construct four duplexes with a value of at least $160,000 each within the four buildings.

Public notice was given inviting interested parties to submit proposals for the lot. To date, no bids have been received, although conversations have taken place with an interested party.

Anyone interested in the property has until 4 p.m. on Monday to submit an offer. City council is set to approve an acceptable proposal should it be presented before the deadline.

Also before the council is an amendment to remove an unneeded traffic signal at the intersection of First Avenue East and East Third Street.

The signal malfunctioned on May 2 and was taken out of service. Temporary stop signs were placed at the intersection for northbound and southbound traffic.

Only four days prior to the malfunction, an Iowa Department of Transportation traffic study was completed reporting that of all the traffic signals on First Avenue, the signal in question is not needed.

Should the signal be removed, one on-street parking space in front of Cappy’s Tire and Auto Service would need to be removed for proper line of sight at the intersection. The owners of Cappy’s and Hawkeye Car Credit also agreed to keep vehicles in the parking lots on the properties out of the line of sight at the intersection.

The cost to remove the signals and poles is estimated at $10,000 and will be paid for using funds from the Road Use Tax.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com