Hancock Holds Finlandia Purchase Public Hearing Tonight

This evening Hancock residents will provide public input on the city’s potential purchase of Finlandia University properties. The city of Hancock will hold a public hearing tonight to gauge the public’s interest in the city’s potential purchase of Mannerheim, Nikander, and Wargelin halls from the university. The three properties do not have lien holders, and if abandoned by the state receiver would revert to the university. Essentially foreclosing the buildings, and leaving the potential that the structure is left to deteriorate until purchase by a developer.

The city of Hancock hopes by taking over the properties as soon as possible the city may be able to encourage developers to come into the area quicker than in other cities that have lost small private colleges. The Hancock public hearing for the potential purchase of three Finlandia University properties by the city will begin at 6 p.m. in the council chambers. Go online to Keweenaw report dot com to find a link to the Copper Country Today episode with host Todd van Dyke and Hancock City Manager Mary Babcock over the Finlandia University properties.