Fort Dodge Proposes Big Move For Homes Set For Demo

Homes and structures that would have been torn down to make way for a road realignment and future development in Fort Dodge may have new life. Proposals were requested last month by the city of Fort Dodge for the structures that were purchased by the city in the area of 3rd Avenue Northwest and Hawkeye Avenue.

Vickie Reeck the city’s community and economic development director explains what was offered.

“So we offered six homes and one garage up for bid and as part of the package we offered city owned vacant lots for the houses to be moved to. We received proposals for three of the homes and the garage,

two of which are moving to privately owned lots and one home will go to a city owned lot but they’re all located in the Northwest river district.” Reeck said. “The bidders intend to invest up to $280 thousand dollars in these homes after they are moved. For the three homes and one garage it’s estimated we will save $50,000.”

Reeck also said the move to do this increases the tax base and saves property from ending up in the landfill as well saves the city from having to spend money to demolish the properties.

Those proposals will be reviewed tonight during the regular council meeting.