Commissioner Powell Proposes Boone County to Purchase Bowling Alley on Indianapolis Avenue

The Boone County Council convened on July 15, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including a resolution regarding the potential acquisition of a bowling alley property and its implications for the county.

The meeting began with a brief public comment period, during which Treasurer Baldwin addressed the council. Following this, the council moved to a roll call vote on a motion that passed unanimously.

The primary focus of the meeting was a resolution presented by Commissioner Scott Bell, representing District 3. He sought the council's support to explore the purchase of the bowling alley located at 1903 Indianapolis Avenue, directly in front of the Justice Center. Bell emphasized the strategic importance of owning the property, noting that it could help the county manage its immediate surroundings better. He mentioned that the bowling alley is currently for sale and expressed concerns about future ownership and its potential impact on the area.

Bell highlighted that the southern end of the bowling alley includes a parking area that is already county property, which complicates the property lines and parking availability for the bowling alley. He indicated that an appraisal of the parking lot had been conducted, valuing it at $39,000, and suggested that acquiring the bowling alley could be beneficial for the county.

The resolution discussed was aimed at permitting the county to obtain appraisals for the bowling alley, with Bell indicating that two appraisals would be necessary to proceed with any potential bid. The estimated cost for these appraisals was discussed, with a rough total of around $4,000 anticipated.

Council members raised questions regarding the future use of the property, particularly in relation to its economic contributions if it remained a bowling alley. Bell clarified that while the sheriff's department supports the acquisition, there are no immediate plans for the building's use. He noted that the county could potentially remodel the facility for various purposes, including office space.

The meeting concluded with the council's agreement to further investigate the potential purchase of the bowling alley, marking a significant step in the county's efforts to manage its real estate assets effectively. The council plans to follow up on the appraisals and discuss next steps in future meetings.