The Odin Village Board Thursday night agreed to take court action to condemn three downtown buildings that the board fears are close to collapse due to their conditions.
The board will seek to tear down buildings at 202 and 204 East Kirkwood as well as a third building across the railroad tracks at 209 East Main. The board already owns a third attached building in the 200 block of East Kirkwood. There are indications one of the owners of the buildings on East Kirkwood wants to donate the property to the city which would eliminate the need for court action.
The board also voted to seek a $250,000 matching state grant through a downtown improvement program. The money is designed to be used to create a downtown business corridor to attract new development and jobs. Mayor Greg Smith says one of their goals would be to attract a Dollar General store. Board members felt they could find a source for $64,500 in matching funds if their application was approved.
The board also agreed to seek purchase of property through the county’s tax sale later this year for a home on US 50 that could be used for economic development purposes.
The board was given copies of an employee handbook and a codification of village ordinances to review.
Several residents were in attendance to complain about excessive noise on the southeast part of town were told to sign complaints with police. Smith says the police chief has already talked to the offending party, but he has no signed complaints.
Building on Main Street in Odin planned for demolition. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
