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Council hears investor interest in 349 Walnut Street but tables proposed lot split pending more detail
Summary
An investment group has expressed interest in building at 349 Walnut Street using roughly 30 feet of city‑owned land; council declined to approve a lot split or transfer and instead asked for additional commitments, appraisals and review of police department space needs.
The council received a presentation Sept. 2 about a potential downtown redevelopment involving roughly a 30‑by‑165 foot split of city‑owned land adjacent to the current police station at 349 Walnut Street. The council did not approve a transfer and instead moved to table the request while seeking more information from the prospective investors and internal plans for police department space.
Why it matters: The parcel sits next to the police station and the outcome would affect downtown land use, parking supply and long‑term needs of the police department. Council members raised concerns about relinquishing land that could be needed for future police expansion and asked for stronger investor commitments before proceeding.
What was presented: Brian (presenter) described preliminary plans by a prospective out‑of‑state firm for an office/training/co‑working building of about 7,000 square feet, roughly $1 million in private investment and about 14 off‑street parking spaces. The presenter asked the council for “a favorable vote to proceed” with an approximate 30‑by‑165 split.
Council response and direction: Multiple councilmembers expressed concern about giving up property that the police department may need for expansions or support functions, noting prior instances where preliminary redevelopment efforts stalled after the city spent time or money. Council asked staff to revisit police department expansion plans, consider appraisals and require firmer investor commitments (for example, a purchase or binding investment commitment) before any lot split or transfer. The council explicitly declined to vote to approve the transfer at the meeting and agreed to table the matter.
Ending: The council did not authorize the lot split; staff and the Lawrenceburg Redevelopment Commission (LRC) were directed to pursue more concrete commitments and to report back before any property conveyance is considered.
