The Environmental Quality Board has determined that Mower County, not the city of Austin, is the appropriate governmental unit responsible for determining whether demolition of Austin’s so-called “Robbins block” compromises its “historical, archaeological or architectural” significance.

“We have reviewed the information in the letter about the degree to which the city has authority over the proposed demolition and have been persuaded that the city is not the proper unit of government to act as the RGU (Responsible Governmental Unit),” said EQB environmental review coordinator Gregg Downing in a letter dated Aug. 13.

This means Mower County must approve or deny local petitioners’ request for an environmental assessment worksheet on the block, located from First and Second Street and First to Second Avenue Northeast.

The county board has indicated its intention to bulldoze the three-story storefronts there to make way for a parking lot and geothermal system, the latter of which would help regulate temperatures in an environmentally-friendly way for the new jail and justice center to be built on two northern adjacent blocks.

The county has already found that the Robbins block could supply geothermal needs for the 128-bed facility, though is conducting studies at other sites, included Mill Pond near downtown Austin.

Some local advocates have expressed disapproval of county plans, arguing that the Robbins block merited preservation because of its development capacity and historical significance — last month, a petition containing 25 names arrived at the EQB requesting an assessment to prove that the county’s decision didn’t overlook certain historical factors.

“The entire purpose behind the Citizens Petition Process is to serve as a check and balance against developers who may sacrifice the public good in favor of their personal ambitions,” wrote petition representative Mark Nagle in a letter to the EQB.

The city was originally designated the RGU by the environmental board, which, after later review of information submitted by city staff, determined that the county was best suited.

Downing said the reason, in part, stemmed from better clarification over which entity had more power over the project.

Mayor Tom Stiehm said that he’s not upset by the decision.

“It’s not a disappointment,” he said. “Let them decide. It kind of takes the monkey off our back.”

Upon confirmation, the county must begin a process outlined by the EQB, which includes 14 steps beginning with verification that the RGU was properly assigned to preparing a timetable and determining findings of fact.

Mower County coordinator Craig Oscarson has said that the county has already considered the effect of Robbins block demolition, and found it negligible.

The city is currently working on property acquisition of the two square blocks to house the $32 million jail and justice center.

According to community development director Craig Hoium, the city closed on another property — Beltone Hearing Aid Center, located at 212 Fourth Ave. N.E. — last week for $141,000.

He said he expected another property to close this Friday.

“By Friday, they’ll all be done but three,” Hoium said, noting that the Austin Medical Center board of directors approved a purchase package agreement that includes cash payment, property and rental support for its building on the corner of Second Avenue and Second Street Northeast.

Steve’s Pizza, Culligan Water Conditioning and Anytime Fitness remain unsettled.

Its hoped that construction on the jail and justice center will begin next spring.