‘Agreement in the works’ between owners of crippled High Street buildings
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
A potential agreement is "in the works" between the owners of 202 and 200 E. High St., as Monday's city-imposed deadline arrives for the owners to have a solution for the crumbling buildings.
Rueben Wieberg, owner of 202 E. High St., told ABC17 News the owners' lawyers are working on an agreement. He didn't release information about the agreement, or when he expects the agreement to be official.
The City of Jefferson issued an ultimatum in October to the owners of 200 and 202 E. High St., saying the two parties have until Dec. 9 to arrive at a solution for the crumbling buildings before it's taken out of their hands.
In its letter to the owners, the city warned that the process to secure a demolition contract will move forward on Tuesday if no private solution is found.
"The traveling public, the downtown business community, and the people of Jefferson City have tolerated this situation long enough," said the letter. "It is past time for a solution, either private or public, to be implemented and for the site to be restored out of what has become a perpetual state of limbo."
The city council approved $300,000 during its Dec 2 meeting to fund that contract, but the city's attorney promised in the letter that the municipality would do everything in its power to recoup the cost of the project.
Building official manager for Jefferson City Larry Burkhardt confirmed Monday there is asbestos in 200 E. High St. He said the owner of the building had inspections done on the property.
Burkhardt did not comment on the agreement between the owners, saying it was up to the Jefferson City counselor and city council now.
Jefferson City attorney Ryan Moehlman said an email that the city continues to work with the property owners.
Ryan Moehlman, Counsel for The City of Jefferson
"The City is currently working with the property owners on a potential universal resolution to the situation. The City will pursue such a resolution until it appears that the parties cannot come to terms. If the parties cannot quickly come to terms, the City will return to its plan to demolish the buildings and then bill the property owners."
Moehlman also said if the owners come to an agreement, the city council must approve that resolution.
It's unclear if an official agreement has been made or if the city will take action to demolish the buildings.
Check back or watch ABC 17 News at 5 for more on this developing story.
