The City of Yorkton has agreed to sell four long-vacant lots to Habitat For Humanity.
“In 1999, the City of Yorkton took title to four lots on Agricultural Avenue that previously belonged to PA Beverages Inc. (the old Coca-Cola plant). Prior to vacating these adjoining lots, PA Beverages Inc. agreed to clear the site and provided the City with an environmental report at their expense. When the City took title to these lots in 1999, the taxes owing were $45,298. Thereafter the City advertised these lots for sale but no interest was received and thus the properties remain on the books for this value,” detailed a report circulated to the regular meeting of Council Monday.
“It is likely that the City has not been able to sell this property because the concrete basement floor of the former Coke plant facility was not removed. It is estimated that it would cost $100,000 to excavate the site and remove the concrete. Consequently the sale of this property has been based on the purchaser taking the risk of removing what is underground should they encounter concrete when developing the site.”
It was introduced to Council at the December 11, 2017 Council Meeting, that Habitat for Humanity has offered to purchase the four lots for $60,000, or $15,000 per lot to build four new homes over four years.
Additionally, Habitat for Humanity would be responsible for paying approximately $10,000 for any required utility service connections as they construct each home.
Council was unanimous in approving to sell the four lots.
