Sikeston buys health hazard property for $250

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The purchase of federally owned property on Sikeston's west end will enable the city to remove a health and safety hazard and clear the way for redevelopment.

An emergency bill approving the purchase of properties located at 221 Felker and 223-225 Felker was passed during Sikeston's City Council meeting this morning.

According to city officials, the U.S. Marshal's office recently accepted the city's bid of $250 for these properties, which became the property of the federal government in 2002 when they were seized by the Department of Justice after the owners went to trial on federal drug charges.

In November, City Council members approved a resolution during their regular meeting authorizing the emergency demolition and cleanup of these structures, having determined they had become a health and safety hazard. Assistant federal prosecutor Raymond Meyer then asked the city to delay any demolitions until the property was transferred.

Also attending today's meeting was Agnes Mason, who owns property adjacent to and across the street from the purchased properties, to voice her interest in the properties.

"We're going to clean it up, make it suitable," Mayor Mike Marshall advised Mason, adding that it will "make your property worth more than it is now."

He explained once the properties are cleaned up and ready for redevelopment, they will be available through an open bidding process.

Officials noted the old Federal Compress building on West North Street, which they hope to have demolished in the winter, is at the north end of Felker.

The property on Felker is currently commercially zoned but surrounded by residentially zoned lots.