Ainsworth to demolish building

AINSWORTH — City officials plan to demolish a building on Railroad Street, after efforts to sell it since July have fallen through.

The city bought the property in June, but Mayor Troy McCarthy said the city couldn’t find a buyer for the real estate, which is illegal to occupy for safety reasons.

“We had a whole bunch of people that were interested, until they looked at it, and then they said, ‘No,’” he said.

At a city council meeting last week, municipal officials accepted a demolition bid for $33,000, the price of which includes basement back filling, as well as sewer and water disconnections and landfill fees, but not asbestos abatement.

City Clerk Cheryl Smith said she wasn’t sure how much more that service would cost.

“That’s pretty specialized,” she said. “Not everybody can just do that.”

Language in the offer said contractors were not liable for unintentional damaged caused by the demolition process, including possible harm to the attached building next door. Smith said she would look into whether the city’s insurance could cover that possibility.

“Great care will be taken to separate the adjoining building with minimal damage,” the bid proposal read. “However, if any damage occurs to the building or the sidewalk, we will not be held responsible for the damage or repairs.”

Smith hoped the demolition would take 2-3 days once started, and happen some time before spring.

“Honestly, the contractors probably have more time in winter,” she said.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com