Neighborhood Renewal Progress

At their October 20 meeting, members of the Sanford City Council voted unanimously to accept a bid from Alex D. Cyr Excavations of Springvale to demolish a home located at 49 North Avenue.

The Council declared the property a dangerous building, and ordered the nuisance abated in October of 2019. Asbestos was abated in March of this year. The owner, heirs of Dale Sanchez, has not been found. The mortgage holder is the United States Department of Agriculture, a federal agency, which has not taken responsibility for its financial and maintenance obligations to the property.

Mayor Tom Cote said the demolition needs to be done for the betterment of the neighborhood and the community at large. The bid process was conducted by the Land Bank Authority, which addresses properties of concern in Sanford and Springvale.

Ian Houseal, Sanford’s Director of Community Development, told the Council the bid covers demolition of the building only; disposal will be an additional cost. He said Cyr Excavations has worked with the City multiple times and is known for their quick turnaround time. He added that the City will be able to sell the lot in two years and recoup the money spent on abatement and removal.

Neighbors will be notified when the demolition is scheduled.

At the same meeting, the Council voted to accept a grant of $150,000 from Maine Housing. Working in partnership with the Sanford Housing Authority, the City will use the funds to renovate tax-acquired single-family homes and duplexes. The properties will then be resold to buyers who meet income eligibility requirements. Profits on the sales will be used to grow the fund and renovate even more homes.