SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Sioux Falls City Council has voted against demolishing four rundown homes in the Sherman Historic District to make way for commercial development.
Citizen opposition at Tuesday night's meeting was sometimes passionate. George Hamilton, who has rehabbed homes in the neighborhood, pounded the podium to make his points.
"These houses can be saved. Our neighborhood will put up a fight to save these houses." Hamilton banged the podium, as he declared that, if necessary, he would buy the homes back from the developer to save them.
Council voted - 6-0 - to save the houses from the wrecking ball, saying there must be other options.
A commercial developer purchased the homes and wants to tear them down to make way for his project near Minnesota and 18th Street.
An attorney for the developer told Council that the four properties on Dakota Avenue are in such bad shape that they are beyond repair.