Dixon City Council Approves Demolition of Five Abandoned Properties

The Dixon City Council has approved an agreement with Anthem Excavation and Demolition Inc. to demolish five city-owned properties as part of a redevelopment initiative. This decision, made on September 2, 2023, is supported by a grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) aimed at revitalizing abandoned residential areas.

The city will utilize a portion of the $154,000 grant provided by the IHDA, with Dixon receiving $75,000 of that total. The contract with Anthem Excavation, which is based in Itasca, Illinois, amounts to $79,000, with the remaining $4,000 to be drawn from the city’s general fund. The demolition work will commence following the removal of asbestos from the properties, a task that will be managed by the city, according to Dixon’s building official, Tim Shipman.

Plans for Redevelopment and Housing Expansion

The targeted properties for demolition are located at 513, 517, and 523 West First Street; 807 West Second Street; and 502 West Seventh Street. This initiative falls under a broader project led by Lee County, which aims to enhance housing availability in the region. City Manager Danny Langloss highlighted that addressing housing needs is among the city’s top priorities.

The three lots on West First Street are situated within an area known as Viaduct Point, positioned along the riverbank between the Peoria Avenue bridge and a new pedestrian bridge currently under construction. Langloss envisions this area as a potential “riverfront expansion,” featuring a blend of residential units, including condominiums, alongside retail spaces and restaurants. The favorable location offers access to multiuse pathways that traverse the Rock River, enhancing its attractiveness for future developments.

The pedestrian bridge, part of the $12 million Project Rock, will utilize existing railroad piers to connect the west multiuse path across the river. This infrastructure is expected to further increase the appeal of the Viaduct Point area for developers.

Future Development Opportunities

In addition to the demolition project, the city plans to solicit proposals from housing developers for the two remaining lots on West Second and West Seventh Streets. This initiative is part of a larger effort to revitalize Dixon’s neighborhoods by encouraging development on other city-owned lots that are not part of the current grant project. Shipman estimates that the city has approximately four such properties available.

To expedite development, city leaders are developing a program that would incentivize developers. If a developer presents a viable plan, including the type of housing to be constructed, pricing strategies, and a timeline, the city may offer incentives such as waiving building permit fees or even transferring property ownership at no cost.

Through these efforts, Dixon officials aim to enhance the community’s housing landscape while addressing critical local needs. The combination of demolition and strategic development is poised to transform neglected areas into vibrant residential and commercial spaces, benefiting both current residents and future newcomers.