[LibertyWoman]

It was built with public money, who the hell are they to transfer title even if it's empty/abandoned?

These little tinpot dictators, making decisions to not intervene on destruction occurring to both private and public real estate.

This is why I asked what your fellow citizens in that area are saying. Is anyone outraged or is it one big collective yawn?

I just get sick seeing these young punks there walking around with guns like they're badasses and they're still wet behind the ears essentially.

This is very dangerous; where are the weapons coming from? It's like a 3rd world sh*thole where weapons are smuggled in to the rebels. Where are the freaking Feds? Does Trump have so many enemies embedded in the DOJ that they are going to let cities burn? I DON'T UNDERSTAND.

[Steve_Seattle]

"It was built with public money, who the hell are they to transfer title even if it's empty/abandoned?"

I don't know the law for sure, but I used to work for the City and I think there are two options: (1) sell it outright at fair market value; or (2) transfer it without cost in exchange for some use that carries with it a (presumably) public benefit.

I think it's called an MOB agreement: mutually offsetting benefits, in which something of value (the fire station, in this case) is exchanged for the use of that facility for some ostensible public benefit, e.g., a community center or health clinic.

This building may be designated as a historic site, so there would be limitations on any changes to the structure of the building. Presumably the exterior of the building would be preserved and the interior could be redone - within limits - to accommodate its new use.

Of course, these MOBs are subject to all sorts of abuse and political patronage, but I think they are legal.