Riverton initiates sale of Crane House

(South Valley Journal) Following an emotionally-charged public hearing and lengthy internal discussions, Riverton’s city council has voted four to one to prepare the historic Crane House (1640 West 13200 South) for sale.

“Our options are limited,” said City Attorney Ryan Carter. “There are three basic possibilities to consider and, in light of public opinion and the financial constraints placed upon us, the best decision is to sell the Crane House.”

On Aug. 18, Councilmembers Karma Bentson, Al Leavitt, Brad Markus and Roy Tingey voted in favor of a resolution which would allow city staff to move forward in preparing for the sale, while Councilman Randy Brinkerhoff voted against it.

“There are several things in this resolution that I cannot agree with,” Brinkerhoff said. “And, I don’t think that the people I represent would support it. I will not be able to vote for it.”

Advocates of the Crane House are also disappointed by the decision. “As a board we are very sad and disheartened that the council has chosen to move forward with the sale of the Crane House,” said Leesa Lloyd, chair of the Crane House’s board of directors. “We know there are many Riverton residents who feel the same way.”

While it was a difficult decision, members of the council didn’t seem to feel they had much choice.

Two-thirds of the Crane House is located on property the city does not own. In order to consolidate the title and remove itself from a costly court battle, the city would have to exercise eminent domain (condemnation) to acquire the property from an unwilling seller, relocate the Crane House to a piece of city-owned property, or negotiate to sell the home to the existing land owner.

City officials say the cost of purchasing the home or relocating it to another parcel of land would run about $400,000 – a figure disputed by those working to save the home.

Original Article