The former site of the historic Hotel Marysville after a June 2024 fire raised significant safety concerns and led to demolition of the building. Built in 1926, the downtown landmark is now the subject of a proposed EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant application to fund removal of contaminated debris and site remediation. Photo courtesy of Caltrans

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The City of Marysville held a special town hall workshop on Jan. 8 to gather public input as it prepares an application for an EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant tied to the former Hotel Marysville site, a prominent downtown property damaged by a 2024 fire.

City officials said the grant would fund cleanup and removal of hazardous debris remaining on the site following demolition of the fire damaged structure. According to city consultants, about 4,700 cubic yards of debris remain beneath a temporary gunite cap.

Environmental studies confirmed the presence of asbestos containing materials, presumed lead-based paint, and petroleum contamination beneath the former basement area. Officials said the petroleum impacts are believed to be associated with a former heating oil tank and boiler system.

City Manager Jim Schaad said the workshop served as a required step in the federal grant process and a chance for residents to provide feedback on both the cleanup plan and future redevelopment possibilities.

“This process is designed to be transparent and to get public input,” Schaad said. “We want to hear concerns about the cleanup and ideas for what could come next once the site is safe.”

Consultants explained that cleanup efforts cannot move forward until debris is removed and disposed of at licensed facilities. While most asbestos contamination exists at trace levels, some materials would require disposal at higher level facilities. Additional environmental work will follow once the site is fully cleared and graded.

Mayor Chris Branscum said the city faces a significant financial challenge without outside funding. Cleanup costs are estimated between $3 million and $4 million, compared to a general fund budget of about $14.5 million.

“That would be a major hit to the city’s finances,” Branscum said. “If we had to pay that directly, it would affect street repairs and other essential services. That is why this grant is critical.”

Community Development and Economic Development Director Dan Flores outlined the steps that would follow successful cleanup. Once remediation is complete, the city would issue a request for proposals to developers. Staff would review submissions based on financial capacity, development experience and project concepts, then forward a recommendation to the City Council.

“The staff does not make the final decision,” Flores said. “The City Council selects the project and approves the development agreement.”

Flores said the development agreement would lock in project details, including design standards, timelines, infrastructure responsibilities and any public benefits. The agreement would also require proof that a developer has financing and experience to complete the project.

Several redevelopment concepts have surfaced during earlier meetings and informal discussions. Ideas include a boutique hotel, mixed use retail and housing, public plaza or green space, structured parking, restaurants or cafes and an arts and cultural center. Officials stressed that these concepts remain preliminary and are meant to generate discussion.

Yuba County Supervisor Renick House attended the meeting and offered county support. He said the site impacts more than Marysville, noting its location near major transportation corridors.

“This is a regional issue,” House said. “What happens here affects people traveling through the entire county.”

Public comments focused largely on parking needs downtown, flexibility in building design and projects that support existing businesses. John Doherty, a longtime area resident, said parking remains a major concern during downtown events and closures.

“If you can combine parking with other uses, that would be a big benefit,” Doherty said.

Council members emphasized that redevelopment decisions remain far off and depend on securing cleanup funding. Branscum described the project as being “at the beginning of the beginning” and said additional public meetings will follow as the process advances.

City officials encouraged residents to submit comments through links posted on the city website. The draft cleanup analysis and application materials are available online, and staff said they will accept comments through the week as the application is finalized.

Officials said community input is not only required for the grant but also essential to shaping a project that fits Marysville’s long term needs.

“We want to deliver something the community wants and needs,” Branscum said. “That starts with listening.”