It appears the city is ready to go forward with the demolition of a fire damaged apartment house, if the courts agree.
The Jacksonville city council tonight will be asked to waive bids, and accept a proposal for the demolition of the apartment Building at 342 West State.
Jacksonville mayor Andy Ezard has been anxious to raze the building, hoping the courts can force the owners to pay for it. It is expected to cost several hundred thousand dollars.
The abandoned apartment building was gutted by a fire January 15th. No one was inside. Ezard has hinted that there is an arson investigation. But, he wants it down because of the danger to nearby property, and the fact it has become an eyesore.
Aldermen will be asked to also waive bids for a blower, office building at the golf course, a new roof and paint for the golf course maintenance building, a bobcat planer, and new plow truck.
The council will consider giving the contract to KE Vas for the South Main Street project, including a new bridge, and give Hutchison Engineering the go ahead to design a new bridge for East College over Mauvaisterre Creek.
The workshop meeting begins at 6, and the regular meeting follows on the second floor of city hall.