City looking to acquire ownership of historic Yuma properties

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - On Wednesday night, the Yuma City Council voted to acquire ownership of two historic properties.

The Sanguinetti House Museum and Jack Mellon house, along with the Melina Block, will be acquired from the Arizona Historical Society.

"If we're not really focusing on the past and understanding what the people that have come before us have doneit’s hard to make sure we’re planning correctly for the future," said Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls.

The transfer was done by state statute, meaning it will not cost anything for the City of Yuma to gain ownership of the properties.

Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls explains why the city is looking to help preserve these places.

"To operate those buildings, to continue to keep them open to the public, kind of enhance them and put them as part of the overall story, we have to tell our history," said Mayor Nicholls.

The voting was almost unanimous with only one council member voting against the acquisition.

"When you take something property and put it under the city's responsibility there will be effects on the budget," said Ema Lea Shoop, a city council member.

However, fellow council member Carol Smith was able to share why the subject gained her vote of approval.

"We have to ensure that these types of lands are safe they're not going to be exchanged, they're not going to be sold, they're going to be in perpetuity for our kids and their kids," said Smith.

The official transfer of ownership will go into affect on September 15.