A building that served as a newspaper on West Kimball Avenue for almost 50 years could be demolished a month from now.

The board of commissioners with the city of Raymondville voted Tuesday to condemn the property at 382 W. Kimball Ave.

The 4,000 sq. ft. building was built by Carl Miller in 1948 to house the Raymondvillve Chronicle. In the back was a printing shop, where the newpaper was printed on a flat bed press and job printing was also done. The building was bordered by Kivett Ford on the east side and the Texas Employment Commission on the west.

The Chronicle/ News moved to its present location in 1994 and the old building briefly served as the Slim Gym Health Salon, before the roof collapsed during a rainstorm serveral years ago.

The action was taken following a public hearing, but no one showed up to voice an opinion.

Owners of the property have 30 days from Tuesday to reply. If not, the building that is in a state of decay will be demolished at the owner’s expense.

Andy Chavez, assistant public works director, said tearing down a commercial building like that one costs $5,000 or more.

He said the work is done by a subcontractor and the city’s puts a lien on the property until the bill is paid.

Chavez also said the Little Ceasar’s Pizza under construction at 13th Street and Hidalgo Avenue should be completed by May and will open for business in April.

He said the Valley Telephone Company Inc. project to provide high speed Internet services is moving along.

“ They should start servicing the southwest sector of the city in February,” he said.

In other business, commissioners approved:,

- A resolution in support of a grant application to the US. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Enterprise Grant program for office spaces for UTB and TSTC.

- Changing office location space for Valley Federal Credit and All American Care Plus.

- Leasing space to a business incubator at the Rural Technology Building. tony@raymondvillechroniclenews.com