Vancouver eyes selling old fire station sites

Sale price estimates put Station 1 at $1.44 million and Station 2 at $430,000. The buildings would be sold “as is,” and the city would handle the sale internally via a bid and review process.

Some on the council are hoping the sites can be sold with an earmark for affordable housing.

Councilor Alishia Topper said some of the community has asked about the possibility for a homeless shelter, and while that’s not a priority for her at the sites, the council should consider the opportunity for affordable housing before moving forward with a general sale.

Councilor Ty Stober said he’s concerned that at the current sale price, the city can’t ensure the best use for the property.

“I think there’s going to be a need in the future for higher density in more parts of our downtown core,” Stober said. “I’m concerned about the sale price where it might just produce another two-story building that would not necessarily get our fullest long-term use.”

City Manager Eric Holmes said before selling the properties, the council can add a requirement that some or all of the two sites include affordable housing. Putting a restriction, however, could impact the value of the property. Holmes said staff can evaluate the potential value change before the council takes the next step.

The issue will come back before the council Sept. 10 for a public hearing to move forward with disposing of the properties.