Grand Jury: Patterson Didn't Do Homework Before Buying Now-Condemned Building

PATTERSON (CBS13) — It's a multi-million dollar mistake that has Patterson City Hall on the hot seat.

The Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury reports the city bought a $650,000 building that is now condemned, because it needs $2.5 million in repair work.

The report paints a picture of the city hall fumbling through the purchase of a property for a proposed city hall annex that's now a mess.

The grand jury says the city didn't do its due diligence and that has cost it $2.4 million in public funds. The mayor is quoted with the line "We bought a lemon."

The vacant 100-year-old building now is home to a dead bird visible from the window.

Ofelia Rodriguez owns a beauty salon across the street.

"We need something there to make look nice downtown," she said.

There's now a warning sign posted on the door reading that the city believes the building may pose a risk to the health and safety of the people in and around it.

The grand jury findings show the city didn't learn it needed millions of dollars in repairs until after it closed on the purchase. Before the city bought it, the grand jury alleges the city did no inspections or ADA, structural or environmental studies.

The city has 90 days to respond to the report.