SANFORD, Fla. — The city of Sanford is one step closer to developing a part of the downtown area that has sat empty for years.
City officials said the building at 312 Commercial Street will be torn down.
The dilapidated building is blocking a view that the city wants to capitalize on.
Reporter Racquel Asa walked the property with deputy city manager Thomas George and found dozens of cigarette butts and evidence that the homeless have been sleeping and living in some areas.
Photos: Sanford's plans for downtown development
"You can't see them from the street, so it's the perfect place for them. That's one of the reasons we want it down. We don't want this anymore," George said.
It will cost around $80,000 to demolish the building. The city will then be able to develop three properties at once.
Channel 9 asked what could go in its place. Conceptual plans show the possibility for new townhomes, a hotel and parking garage.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a city or a developer," George said.
City officials said demolition of the building will begin in April.
WFTV
