PETERSBURG, Va. — The Petersburg City Council on Oct. 7 voted to commit a $250,000 local match so the city can apply for a $250,000 grant from the Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Development Assistance Fund to demolish two vacant downtown buildings.

Mr. Altman, a city staff member presenting the item, told council the city intends to apply for $250,000, which would require a $250,000 match, to demolish the former Cruisers building and the Petersburg Alarm Buildings at 18 East Bank and 226 Second Street. He said the work would include environmental mitigation if needed, demolition and debris removal to prepare the sites for redevelopment.

“...the city is gonna apply for $250,000 which would require a $250,000 match in order to, demo the former Cruisers building and Petersburg Alarm Buildings located at 18, East Bank and 226 Second Street,” Mr. Altman said.

Councilman Myers moved to adopt the resolution committing support and match requirements for the grant; Vice Mayor Hill seconded. After no public comments during an open-floor period, the council voted by roll call with Council members Cuthbert, Jones, Myers, Westbrook, Smith Lee, Vice Mayor Hill and Mayor Perrin voting aye.

Mr. Altman told the council the grant application was due the following week, which was cited as the reason for holding the matter at a special meeting rather than waiting for the regular Oct. 21 meeting. The resolution instructs staff to proceed with the application and confirms the city’s intent to provide the required local match if the grant is awarded.