2025-10-07-AGENDA PACKET - Laserfiche WebLink

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Introduction The Batesville City Council has designated the Former Gray's Hospital building located at 477 East Main Street as a blighted property. An asbestos inspection report was completed by Snyder Environmental. The property has been approved for funding for asbestos abatement from the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, Division of Environmental Quality as well as a Phase I Environmental Assessment. The City is applying to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for funds to demolish the building. The CDBG application addresses the National Objective of the Elimination of Slum and Blight. The City must submit a proposed Redevelopment Plan with the application. Purpose of Plan Arkansas Code §14-168-31 is a state law that defines terms used in the Arkansas Redevelopment Act, specifically what constitutes a "blighted area" for the purposes of redevelopment. The law outlines conditions such as deteriorating structures, poor layout, unsanitary or unsafe conditions, or other factors that negatively impact growth, economy or public welfare. The City Council declared the former Gray's Hospital as a blighted structure at the September 9, 2025, Council Meeting. The Building has been abandoned approximately five years and is regarded as a nuisance. The building is dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe, and is vermin - infested. The building is being used by vagrants and often vandalized. City police frequently have to remove persons from the building. Blighted structures create safety concerns for the community including fire hazards. Stray animals, rats, and bugs make such structures their home. Broken glass, nails and other debris can cause cuts, puncture wounds and other injuries. Photos of the building are attached.