Eagle, homeowner team up on grant request to tear down Broadway house
EAGLE — Nearly everyone agrees that the dilapidated green house located on Eagle’s main street needs to go, and this week the town and the building’s owner agreed to team up in an effort to tear it down.
Tuesday night, members of the Eagle Town Board agreed to partner with Dave Nudell, the owner of 410 Broadway St., to apply for a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for the assessment and remediation of asbestos materials at the site. The state grant funds are allocated to assist with redevelopment projects, particularly in downtown areas.
Nudell acquired the property in 2008 with the stated intent of redeveloping it. Following the national recession, market conditions declined, making that project unviable. In 2010, the town required Nudell to secure the building because it had become a safety concern. The town noted the abandoned building is structurally unstable, with rodents and other animals living in it. Both the town and the Greater Eagle Fire Department would like to see the home demolished.
According to assistant Eagle Town Planner Morgan Landers, initial estimates show that asbestos abatement at the site could run as high as $50,000 to $60,000, making demolition of the structure a costly proposition. But a state asbestos remediation grant would kick start that effort.
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Landers noted that the state grant program does require financial participation from the town. She proposed that Eagle contribute $1,400 to the effort — representing the town’s legal costs associated with preparing the grant documents. Additionally, the town will contribute 25 hours of Landers’ time and five hours of Town Planner Tom Boni’s time to work on the project.
The Greater Eagle Fire Department is also willing to chip in for the grant application, agreeing to its own $1,300 donation. All told, the local entities would be putting up around $4,000 for the project.
“I do like the idea of this and applaud the creativity of this,” said Eagle Town Board member Matt Solomon. He did, however, raise a question about precedent.
Landers said the town staff supports the idea of helping Nudell apply for the grant because the financial donation and staff effort is not onerous. She noted a larger request in the future would likely face a more critical examination.
Eagle Mayor Anne McKibbin said a small outlay from the town could accomplish a goal that benefits the overall community. She noted the grant will ensure the demolition of an eyesore building and clear the way for new development.
The grant would be awarded through a reimbursement program. Nudell would incur the cost of the asbestos remediation and then the town would request the reimbursement from the state. If the grant is approved, then the town will enter into an agreement that would ensure the reimbursement carries minimal risk for Eagle.
‘I want the building down’
Town Board member Kevin Brubeck asked Nudell about his long-term plans for the property. Nudell replied he plans a three-story building with two commercial spaces on the street level, four residential units located on the second and third floors and parking at the rear of the building.
“Once I have the asbestos piece down, I can finalize the planning,” Nudell said.
The board members voiced support for the grant partnership, but Town Board member Scott Turnipseed asked what would happen if the grant was awarded but the project did not move forward. Nudell replied that if he receives the grant and the asbestos is removed, he can guarantee the building will come down.
“I want the building down as badly as you do,” Nudell said.