ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Rock Island City Council will purchase a vacant building in town.
At their meeting on Monday, June 24, council members voted to purchase the property at 1203-1225 5th Ave. The building, last inhabited by the Fancy Street Clock & Light company, has been vacant since 2011. The building has been deemed dangerous to enter by local fire and police officers.
According to city documents, the property's owners have agreed to sell it to the city for $20,000. City officials are also requesting proposals for the demolition of the property. If council members vote to confirm the purchase, city staff recommended controlling the use of future businesses on the 1.2-acre site. Staff members also wrote that the purchase and demolition would reduce blight surrounding the building.
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