Bids accepted for demolition projects

STERLING The city accepted low bids for the demolition of two properties included on a list of six targeted by the city in the 2014-15 fiscal year.

The council approved a low bid of $1,399 from Jennings Excavating of Sterling to destroy the structure at 1111 Ave. A, and another of $4,545 from Tampico-based Burke Excavating to knock down the house at 906 Dillon Ave.

The demolitions are among those in this years capital fund budget. Asbestos abatement will be done before the buildings are leveled.

The structure at 1111 Ave. L has been vacant for 9 years, forcing the city to go through abandonment proceedings. The city has put liens of many of the abandoned properties for lawn-mowing services.

The house at 906 Dillon Ave. was severely damaged by fire in May 2013, eventually resulting in an arrest. Juan L. Lugo, of Sterling, who had been staying with his brother at the address, was convicted of arson and sentenced to 3 years in the Department of Corrections.

According to City Manager Scott Shumard, the house was not insured, so the rest of the structure could not be demolished by the owner. The city then obtained a demolition order from the courts.

Mayor Skip Lee said a study was done about 5 years ago that determined 250 structures could be demolished immediately. There is a system for figuring out how high they are on the list.

The structures are prioritized according to several criteria, with public safety being most important, Lee said. Potential for improving a neighborhood and proximity to areas with good prospects for development are also important considerations.

Three structures on the citys demolition wish list, but not budgeted for, were also carried out recently, thanks to Sterling Today. The nonprofit development group bought the rental properties at 409 Ave. C, 411 Ave. C, and 303 W. Fifth St., because of their proximity to other properties owned by the organization.

The Sterling Today properties were not well-maintained and are on substandard-sized lots, Shumard said. From our perspective, we were pleased to see them come down for aesthetic reasons and the good of the neighborhood.

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Bids accepted for demolition projects