Cleaning up run-down properties

Cresco - The City Council has been tackling some run-down properties in Cresco over the past few years. The largest acquisition is the nearly full city block south of Reicks Monuments on 3rd St. West, the former bowling alley, which had mostly trailers on it.

Most recently, a house was torn down on the property and a double-wide will be moved by May. Several trailers will be moved across the road to the trailer park just south of the property, and others will be demolished.

Public Works Director Rod Freidhof stated, “The initial cost to tear the property down hurts, but if we can get a new home built, there will be a tax base there, and we will see a return. Plus, cleaning up blighted properties is an improvement to the town.”

A house torn down by Evans Park last year was sold to Aaron Wemark, who is building a single-family house. He will either sell it or rent it, which opens up some much-needed housing in the county and will put it on the tax rolls.

Another house was torn down at 218 5th Ave. East a few weeks ago. Freidhof is hoping to find a developer to put up a single-family house.

As for the trailer park block, it should be empty of structures by May. The City Council wants the property to be developed. In the near future, the City will be ready to seek proposals on what to do with the land. It could be low-to-moderate income housing, duplexes, apartment buildings, whatever. 

The Council is open for ideas to establish more housing, which in turn will bring workers and families to the area, which will be a boost to the local economy.