The Jefferson City Council voted this week to utilize funds from its Neighborhood Incentive Improvement Program to help pay for demolition costs by a landowner.

The City pays up to $2,000 if a private landowner wants to demolish a structure on their lot to improve the overall look for the neighborhood.

Building Inspector Tom Heater says the most recent use of those funds were given to Shane Kozal at 600 South Maple Street.  He adds that while what the City pays doesn’t cover the entire cost of tearing down the house and garage that was on that lot, it helps to pay for some of it.

Mayor Pro Tem Shannon Black says the City is trying to do it’s part to help landowners change a positive change for the neighborhood.

“Property owners, individuals to get involved with their neighborhood.  If there’s something, a piece of property there that maybe is abandoned, if they’re interested in obtaining that property, this is just kind of a way to help them clean it up.”

Anyone thinking about demolishing a structure on their property may call City Hall to begin the application process about the program at 386-3111 or stop by 220 North Chestnut Street.