I am reaching out with urgency to respectfully ask the council to reconsider its decision to demolish the historic property at 4524 50 Street. I understand that the proposal yesterday may not have received much consideration from those in opposition. I respectfully request that this letter not be disregarded but rather given thoughtful consideration for the benefit of all parties involved.

I understand that the council has had multiple deliberations regarding the structure and seemed to have finally reached a conclusion with its fate. However, I believe this building holds value beyond the immediate financial considerations. I was disheartened by your decision last night to not allow a requested proposal to be submitted, but I hope this plea will allow you to recognize your duty to consider the benefits a project like this would have for the village, community, and myself.

I recognize that you have already completed your due diligence period, which included extensive advertising for alternative proposals. I regret that I only learned about this outreach after the application window had closed. Regardless, I hope the council would consider delaying the demolition by two weeks to allow for this proposal, as it could mean the difference between losing a key piece of Rycroft’s heritage and transforming it into an asset for the community.

While Rycroft is a growing community, the potential for immediate investment of the land contrasts with current land trends. The Village of Rycroft currently has 12 village-owned residential properties on the market, with some listed for nearly two years not being sold. As land is not in high demand, there is no rush to remove this building. Halting the demolition for an additional two weeks could provide a guaranteed instant significant investment and development in the community, which is ideal for the future of Rycroft. The difference between 14 days could provide the opportunity for Rycroft to have a committed development that transforms the property into a meaningful landmark.

The proposed demolition cost of $24,740, which the council hoped to recover through eventual resale may not see a return given current residential property prices of $14,000 to $17,000. If you allow me to preserve this structure, the council could potentially avoid a financial loss and instead see additional revenue and another confirmed revitalized property.

Beyond financials, this building stands as a physical reminder of Rycroft’s strong priority in education, community, and faith. Its removal would erase a valuable connection to our shared past. By saving this structure, a living piece of Rycroft’s history will provide future generations with a hands-on learning experience.

By pausing the demolition, the worst outcome would be moving forward as originally planned. On the contrary, the village could secure an instant significant investment in their community, see a cherished piece of Rycroft’s identity preserved, and gain revenue back from the years of investment in the property.

The vote that occurred last night was tight, with two council members seeing the potential of preservation (Roxann Dreger, Joanne Chelick), while three others voted for demolition (James Verquin, Dwayne Kotyk, Brian Markovich). I urge those in opposition to reconsider and to see the promise that two of your peers, the community, and myself see in this property. With the demolition scheduled for Monday, the council has the chance to protect and redevelop a building that can once again inspire the village.