Some of that property was purchased so that it can be cleared to make way for future development.

Other parcels were bought to provide land needed for the realignment of the road at the top of the hill where Hawkeye Avenue becomes Third Avenue Northwest.

The buildings on all of those properties will be demolished this winter, according to Vickie Reeck, the city’s director of economic and community development.

The biggest single purchase was from Lynette Peterson, of Fort Dodge. The city bought three houses, three commercial buildings and three vacant lots from her for $400,000.

-Submitted graphic
This overhead view shows the properties along Third Avenue Northwest that were purchased by the city of Fort Dodge for future development.

She will remove two of the houses and one of the commercial buildings before the sale is closed.

The council also bought one house and one commercial building from Donald Peterson, of Fort Dodge, for $105,000.

Since he runs a business from the commercial building, he will be eligible for up to $70,000 for relocation expenses.

The money to pay for the purchases from both Petersons will come from a general obligation bond issue.

All of the property bought from both Lynette Peterson and Donald Peterson is located on Third Avenue Northwest between Eighth Street Northwest and Amvets Drive.

All of that land was bought to make space for future development.

Five properties were purchased to accommodate the realignment of the road.

These properties were bought for that purpose:

• 609 Third Ave. NW. from Julie Isaacson for $20,000

• 619 Third Ave. N. W from Jim Kesterson for $67,200

• 217 Seventh St. N.W, from Ruby Stolp for $63,000

• 120 Second St. N.W. from Randy Conell and Belinda Dorman for $46,800

• 222 Seventh St. N.W. from Robert Hogan for $38,200

The money to pay for those purchases will come from the local option sales tax and sanitary sewer revenue.

Councilman Andy Fritz was absent from the otherwise unanimous vote to purchase the properties.