Letter: Dobbins can return to ‘country atmosphere'

After years of looking at the dilapidated Robbins Mini Mart in Dobbins, the structure was finally bulldozed recently. It is unfortunate that the people of Dobbins have had to live with this blight in the middle of town for 16 years.

The building went dark many years ago when Marysville Road was diverted in order to prevent logging trucks from passing through the middle of town and past the elementary school. Since that time, the old mini-mart had become a gathering place for juvenile mischief. 

The demolition company Parc Enterprises, was awarded the $30,000 contract.  Jeremy Strang of the Yuba County Code Enforcement Division was instrumental in working with the townspeople to achieve the long-awaited demolition.

Because the mini-mart had two underground gas tanks, there was a concern about contamination that complicated the abatement process. The cost of demolishing the site will now be passed on to the owners who purchased the property at a tax lien sale many years ago, and if the owners do not pay the $30,000 cost of demolition, the property will again be sold at a tax lien sale.

The small, historic town of Dobbins can now return to its beautiful country atmosphere.

Douglas Binderup

Dobbins