Richland club to give away three lots

RICHLAND ? The Richland Community Club is giving away three lots to anyone who wants to build a house on them.

The club purchased three lots in the southeast part of Richland from the city earlier this year. Two of the lots are in the 200 block of East Main Street and another is in the 200 block of East South Street.

Club member Steve Roberts estimated the lots? value at $12,000 a piece. They all have water and sewer access that comes to the curb.

Roberts said homebuilders would need to meet minimal stipulations such as the homes must be a minimum of 1,200 square feet, for a single family and on a permanent foundation. He said homebuilders could receive tax abatement but they would have to apply for it.

The three lots also are identical in size, 99 feet of land facing the street by 132 feet deep.

Roberts said the club wanted to step up to the plate after seeing what the city had contributed to preparing the lots for development. The city put money into cleaning up the lots by demolishing the old homes on them. All three lots have sat vacant for at least three years, and Roberts said it was time to make a move.

The club approached the city about purchasing the lots earlier this year. The city agreed to sell the lots to the club at a reduced price if the club would agree to give them away. The club agreed and paid $3,000 total for all the lots.

The club has done a number of things over the years to promote development in Richland. About 12 years ago, the club built a building which is now occupied by Riverhills Medical Center. The club also is negotiating with a pharmacy to move to a new building in Richland.

Roberts said he is excited for the five-year homecoming celebration in 2014 and hopes Richland has new construction projects to show off for it.

Those interested in learning more about the vacant lots in Richland can visit the town?s Facebook page or send an email to cityofrichland@iowatelecom.net.