PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A house in Portage that stands in the way of a major road project has been condemned to demolition, but a reprieve has been proposed by a Mattawan man who says he has an idea to save it.
The city purchased the home at 9303 Portage Road five years ago because they knew they might need the land for road improvements.
Last night, as the final order for demolition came to the city council, Eric Borsos pitched, for the first time, his alternative: to buy the house and move it to another lot.
He admits he has never moved a home before, doesn’t have any permits, and has a lot to figure out, but he says it would save the city the cost of demolition.
City Planner Peter Dame says he isn’t sure a split level home can be moved, and even if it’s possible, doubts it could be done by next spring, when the road construction begins.
The council approved going ahead with the demolition, but also gave Borsos two weeks to see if he can come up with a workable alternative proposal.
Mayor Patricia Randall says she is an optimist and that we are in a housing crisis, but she wants to be convinced that its possible.
Councilmember Nichole Miller says it’s up to Borsos.
If he can convince them he can move the house within their deadline, they might cancel the demolition and give him the house for free.
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