http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-905734.mp3
Burlington, IA – The city of Burlington decided, in late 2006, that it wanted to develop the property known as "The Manor" for commercial/retail use. The 28.5 acre plot contained a series of WWII-era housing units.
The city started purchasing the buildings through negotiations and eminent domain. It also helped occupants find new homes around Burlington.
The city started tearing down the buildings in late 2007. The idea was to sell the property to a commercial developer out of Minnesota.
That deal fell through, though, in early 2008.
City Manager Doug Worden says Burlington has done little, since then, to market the site. He says the effort consisted of signs, flyers, and website links.
Worden says he took part in a recent commercial real estate convention in Las Vegas to try to step up those efforts. He says he met with potential developers, realtors, and marketing agents.
Worden says he has followed up with the contacts he made since returning to Burlington. He says the city will wait a few weeks to see if those connections can lead to the property being sold.
Worden says if nothing comes together, Burlington will look into hiring a commercial realtor to market the site. He says the original price tag ($2.4-million) has not changed, but could be reviewed.