Sterling sells two more homes in Neighborhood Stabilization

STERLING – The city has sold two more homes in its Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

At its meeting Monday night, the council learned that the city sold rehabilitated homes at 607 13th Ave. and 1104 E. LeFevre Road.

The council also approved a $4.6 million bid for work on the Coliseum.

In the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the city has bought or is buying 17 foreclosed homes, and either rehabbing them or tearing them down and building new ones. Those homes then are sold to low- and moderate-income buyers using incentives such as help with the down payments.

The program is funded by $2.7 million in federal stimulus money, which the city must spend by Feb. 11. It is on track to meet that deadline, City Manager Scott Shumard said. It already has sold two rehabilitated homes and two new ones.

Also Monday night, the council awarded a $4.6 million contract to Sjostrom and Sons Construction of Rockford to repair the Coliseum.

Among other things, geothermal heating and cooling will be installed, parts of the building will be insulated, the 80-year old plumbing and electric equipment will be replaced and the police dispatch area will be expanded.

The work will cost about $4.86 million, which includes asbestos abatement that will be done by another company. The city has $4.9 million to spend, Shumard said.

The council also appointed Alderman Joseph Martin vice mayor, a position he will hold for a year. Martin will serve when Mayor Skip Lee is absent.