The Town of Nederland declared a local disaster emergency on Oct. 9 after a fire swept through the Caribou Village shopping center, destroying about 20 businesses and a longtime community hub. The town Board of Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday night to extend the declaration.
Under the emergency status, Nederland can access emergency funding and request county, state and federal assistance. The Board of Trustees also approved an Emergency Authorization Ordinance, which formalizes town procedures during emergencies.
Ben Myers, representing Tebo Properties, the owner of the Caribou Village building, said the company plans to host a fundraising event at the Black Forest Inn on Oct. 25. Proceeds will benefit impacted businesses, their employees and first responders. Myers also said the company aims to rebuild quickly. The Black Forest Restaurant’s construction manager hopes to prepare the building so displaced tenants can temporarily relocate and reopen, Myers said. The building has been vacant for five years and offers about 12,000 square feet of space…