Des Moines Sun

West Des Moines City Council on Dec. 19 continued to debate the purchase of property at 329 6th St., continuing a discussion initially started at its Dec. 5 meeting.

During the Dec. 19 session, streamed on YouTube, Council pointed out that it had tabled the discussion from its previous meeting to see if the single-family home on the property could be moved, a cost that would be incurred by anyone who would take the home from the city. Razing the home would cost from $20,000 to $30,000, it was noted during the session.

“The house could be moved,” Clyde Evans, Community and Economic Development director for the city, told the council during the session, though he noted he did not get a quote on moving the structure.

During the discussion, council members noted that they would give the house away as long as it was an agreement that would benefit everyone involved. They don’t want to put the project out to bid because it would cost too much and by having someone remove the structure, the city would save demolition costs.

“We would make the property available and they would be responsible for backfilling the property and removing any foundations so the property is prepped and ready for development,” he said. “We’ve done this before. Sometimes, we've been successful. Other times there has been no interest.”

Council was seeking the property to add additional parking in Valley Junction, with the city already owning property to the north and south of the lot, and the homeowner is moving voluntarily, so nobody will be displaced. Council also pointed out it wants to give everyone in the community equal opportunity to get the house, whether it is sold or given away.

Moreover, the council also discussed options for addressing parking situations in the future, it was noted during the meeting. 

Council voted in favor of the purchase during the Dec. 19 meeting.