April 25, 2024

Two dilapidated First Avenue houses set for demolition

By Jamee A

Lanphier Excavating, of Reasnor, will be in charge demolishing two First Avenue properties, including the house at 512 First Ave. E. The house, which was being renovated, was found to have a collapsed foundation, leaving it financially unsound to continue renovation work. (File Photo)

Two dilapidated properties located on First Avenue will be demolished in the coming months. City council approved Lanphier Excavating, of Reasnor, to tear down both properties in the city’s continued effort to clean up blighted properties.

“Curb appeal continues to be a focus of the city per the recommendations of the adopted comprehensive plan, Newton’s Future,” interim city administrator Jarrod Wellik said. “Abating dangerous buildings within the city is one way to improve the aesthetics of Newton neighborhoods.”

The properties, 512 First Ave. E. and 917 First Ave. W., were acquired through the Dangerous and Dilapidated program due to their current conditions. The highly visible property at 512 First Ave. E. was a former house renovation project that could not be completed due to having about half of the foundation collapse causing the house to become unstable.

“The building would not be a financially sound decision to continue with the renovation of it,” city director of Planning and Zoning Erin Chambers said.

The property was also a source of many complaints to the city for the past several years.

The public works department worked to prepare plans and specification for the demolitions including both asbestos abatement and demolition at the properties. Nine bids were received to complete the work ranging more than $60,000.

The low bid from Lanphier Excavating of $28,988 was approved, about $2,500 lower than the engineer’s estimated cost. The project completion date is set for April 15 and will be paid for using D&D program funds

The properties are the latest to be demolished through the D&D program. To date, the city has addressed more than 50 properties since starting almost three years ago. It has become one of the most visible examples of the efforts the city is making to clean up problem areas.

After the purchase and estimated demolition costs are assessed, the D&D program funds remaining will be at approximately $51,000. The program started with $1 million to be used for purchase and demolition costs.

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