Members of the Luverne Economic Development Authority approved a request for a $3,000 demolition grant at their Monday morning meeting for a property at 311 N. Oakley.
John Connell submitted an application for funding through the city’s Residential Demolition Program to tear down both the house and three-stall garage on the lot.
LEDA director Holly Sammons worked with Connell on the request and said the house and garage are substandard, dilapidated and are beyond repair.
She said there is extensive termite damage, and both buildings lack structural integrity.
“Structurally, they’re not sound,” Sammons said. “The basement of the house has some big foundation issues; there’s old cement block in there that’s hollowed out.”
The entire interior is unfinished and gutted, and it is inhabitable.
“Given the deficiencies, the cost of repair is unreasonable compared to the value of the property,”
The estimated market value of the property is $39,800 — $3,500 for the land and $36,300 for the house. Annual taxes are $416.
According to Sammons, Connell has submitted proper paperwork and meets all the requirements for a Residential Demolition Grant for $3,000.