A decision made at Monday night’s city council meeting signals a step forward when it comes to Main Street beautification in Wessington Springs, as part of a combined effort between the Wessington Springs Chamber and Development (WSACD) and City of Wessington Springs.
“We have been diligently working on a plan for getting it taken down and have been awarded a $5,000 Heartland Consumer Power District grant to go toward the $7500 estimate of removing the vacant building,” WSACD Director Loree Gaikowski said to the city council at Monday’s regular meeting. “We are asking if the city will help make up the difference.”
Gaikowski explained that WSACD had a study completed and found asbestos to only be in the floor of the building, which was gifted to WSACD by the former owner, Casey Bridgman.
“Since the asbestos is in the floor only, we need to wet it down and then it can be demolished and hauled away,” she said. “As for future plans, we’re looking into redeveloping it or seeking grants for green space. We are taking it one step at a time to find out our best options.”
“This building is not safe and is an eyesore on Main Street,” she added. “This is an excellent opportunity to elevate our business district and community.”
After listening to Gaikowski’s presentation, the city council voted unanimously to make up the difference of the building removal estimate.
Look for updates on the project in upcoming issues of the True Dakotan.
Kristi Hine / True Dakotan