RACINE — The Community Development Authority (CDA) has the go-ahead from the city to proceed with discussions on the possible acquisition of Saint Nicholas Episcopal Church, 2509 Sixteenth Street.
The property, owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee, is vacant and has considerable interior damage. The building would need a significant investment to rehabilitate, so representatives approached the city to see if there was any interest on their part for acquiring the property and redeveloping it.
John Crimmings, of First Weber Real Estate Services, read a letter from the diocese in support of the sale. In the letter, he noted there has not been an active ministry at the church for many years.
“The idea that several families could possibly benefit from the sale and affordable housing constructed on the site would, in the opinion of the Episcopal diocese, be a wonderful blessing for the neighborhood and a fitting legacy for the church, which has stood at that site for nearly 100 years,” he said.
The church sits on a city block, which could accommodate three or four single-family homes or potentially townhouses.
The CDA will take up the discussion of possible acquisition at the May 6 meeting.
Additional CDA property acquisitions
The possible purchase of St. Nicholas Church was just one of several property acquisitions undertaken by the city at Monday’s meeting of the Common Council.
The council also voted to transfer ownership of the vacant lot at 1644 S. Memorial Drive from the city to the CDA for redevelopment.
The council also voted to authorize the CDBG Advisory Board to approve the acquisition of 1216 Geneva St. and funds be allocated to rehabilitate the property for resale.
The house was built in 2012 with HUD Home funds, which are intended to increase the stock of affordable homes. Construction costs for the home totaled $173,570.
As part of the deal with HUD, the city of Racine had to ensure the affordability of the house for 15 years. However, the current owner is threatened with foreclosure. If the city takes no action and the foreclosure goes through, the city would have to reimburse HUD the $173,570.
However, the city also has the option to acquire the property, rehabilitate it with CDBG funds, and sell it to a new owner who meets the income qualifications mandated by HUD.
Local news
The Racine County Eye, which includes the Kenosha Lens, is your source for local news that serves our diverse communities. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with local news.
Follow us on Facebook: Racine County Eye or Kenosha Lens to make sure you get the latest news.
Racine County Eye and Kenosha Lens – Journalism that serves.
You must be logged in to post a comment.