South-end demolition and flood recovery
Summary
The first round of demolitions will take down seven apartment quadplexes near Consumer Lumber, three properties south of Lincoln School, and two near Hardee's — all former FEMA 403 properties. A state forgivable loan covers the cost, so no property tax dollars are spent, with more buyout demolitions coming in November.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 1
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Sep 8, 2026, up from 0 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Covered by an IEDA forgivable loan from the state — no property tax dollars will be used.
Neighbors of the long-vacant flood-damaged properties get blighted buildings cleared without cost to local taxpayers.
Neighbors of buyout properties will see demolitions in their areas this fall.
Mentions & discussions (6)
City Council - Oct 19, 2026
The city is tearing down flood-damaged apartments and houses on the south end, paid by state grant money — not your taxes. Demolition runs two weeks through winter, with rebuilding hoped for mid-2027.
City Council - Sep 21, 2026
The first round of demolitions will take down seven apartment quadplexes near Consumer Lumber, three properties south of Lincoln School, and two near Hardee's — all former FEMA 403 properties. A state forgivable loan covers the cost, so no property tax dollars are spent, with more buyout demolitions coming in November.
City Council - Sep 8, 2026
Staff are drafting housing incentives, launching an RFP to update the outdated 2017 comprehensive plan, and processing FEMA 404 buyouts — with demolitions of acquired flood-prone properties expected in mid-to-late fall.
General - Jun 15, 2026
The landfill took in $2 million of extra revenue in 2025 because of the flood, and the council is sending $1.25 million of it to the housing program. The landfill keeps over $1.5 million plus reserves for its own needs.
General - May 18, 2026
The Long Term Recovery Group has closed over 350 cases, logged 12,000+ volunteer hours worth $433,000, and distributed $43,000 directly into homes. Mennonite Disaster Service youth groups will complete 25-40 repairs and build a house this summer.
‘The damage is on the inside of properties, and it is on the inside of people too’ - Spencer, IA reflects on historic flooding
‘The damage is on the inside of properties, and it is on the inside of people too’ - Spencer, IA reflects on historic flooding KTIV
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