Millions of dollars in changes are coming to Warren’s riverfront.

But the extent of that reimagination will depend on what properties can be controlled and utilized.

City officials have been trying to secure the empty concrete pad toward the base of Liberty Street as well as a parcel behind the HIY building right along the riverfront.

Another attempt to go after grant funding for those parcels was approved in a split 4-3 decision by the City Council on Monday.

City Manager Mike Holtz said the council approved applications for two state land acquisition grants and committed $170,000 in matching funds out of the city’s American Rescue Plan funds.

“The city was not awarded funding under these applications,” said Holtz, who explained that another round of potential funding is now open for the same program.

He told council that the appraised value of the two properties rose by $5,000 so the matching funds need to be increased by $2,500.

This latest attempt marks the city’s third attempt to secure these funds.

“We’re hopeful the third time is the charm,” Holtz said. “We got some coaching in how to do the narrative a little bit better” for the grant application.

The appraised value of the two parcels is $340,000.

“I do not believe it’s a good fiduciary use of these resources,” Councilman John Wortman said. “I fully support trying to acquire these properties” but suggested there are a “few other avenues” that could be pursued.

“This money, especially the American Rescue Plan money, should go to the future economic development of Warren, not Mr. Yoder (the owner of the properties)” Councilwoman Wendy McCain said. “To give him $340,000 is just not acceptable.”

She proposed either reducing a balloon payment that she claims Yoder will owe in 2027 or eminent domain as another way to take the property.

Solicitor Andrea Stapleford noted, though, that eminent domain would require that the city pay “just compensation,” which is based on an appraisal to calculate fair market value.

Councilman Wortman asked what the city would do if this ground doesn’t succeed.

“We’ve put all our eggs… in this basket,” he said. “What if it continues to not be successful? Do we have a plan B?”

“If this doesn’t come to fruition, we need to look at other avenues,” Mayor Dave Wortman said. “(The) properties are critical for the project. I agree, if unsuccessful, (there) needs to be something done differently.”

The grant application was approved in a 4-3 decision with Mayor Wortman, Maurice Cashman, Phil Gilbert and Jared Villella voting in favor and Councilman Wortman, McCain and Danielle Flasher in opposition.