Plans to demolish several dilapidated buildings on East State Street and build a parking lot moved one step closer to fruition Tuesday when the Sharon Redevelopment Authority approved the purchase of those buildings on the city's behalf, Mayor David O. Ryan said.

Ryan said he is optimistic the project, once completed, will help the downtown area turn an economic corner.

"It's definitely going to spruce up that area," Ryan said Tuesday. "And that could be the catalyst for the revitalization for the entire downtown."

Council voted last month to buy the two buildings at tax sale for $500 each plus $135 for transfer taxes for a total of $1,135 because no on bid on them at a recent public auction, Ryan previously said.