SACRAMENTO—The City of Healdsburg on Tuesday moved closer to taking control of a state-owned armory that has for years been a blight in a residential area, as a key Senate committee approved a bill that would let the City Council to lease the two-acre parcel.

Assemblywoman Patty Berg’s AB 1123 would enable the city to lease the long-vacant National Guard Armory for 30 years, and allow the community to refurbish the decaying building and use it for community purposes.

“The people of Healdsburg don’t need a vacant eyesore,” said Berg, D-Eureka. “They need a place that can serve the needs of the community.”

The armory was used for National Guard training and storage until 15 years ago. Since then, the building has fallen into total disrepair. The city plans to renovate the building and use it for community purposes.