Owsley County approves purchase and demolition of Callahan building; discusses buying and rehabbing downtown properties

The court approved a motion to purchase the building owned by Virginia Callahan and to demolish the structure as part of a downtown beautification effort, county officials said.

Officials said the beautification work is supported by an existing state grant earmarked for community improvements and that grant money is available now. The court moved that the county acquire the Callahan property and proceed with demolition; an "aye" vote was recorded in the meeting.

Separately, officials discussed several other properties identified for acquisition and rehabilitation. One parcel — described as an old gas station and car wash near the Family Dollar store — was appraised at $250,000; the county was offered the property for $100,000. Another building discussed for rehab had an appraisal referenced at $150,000 with a potential $100,000 asking price. County officials said they already have a prospective tenant for one site (a motorcycle repair/shop) and that the projects are intended to create new local businesses.

Officials emphasized that county public workers will not be assigned to renovate the acquired commercial buildings; work on these projects will be contracted so county employees can continue road and other county operations. Some speakers said they will pursue additional outside funding if necessary to complete projects.

The transcript records motions to pursue purchases and rehabilitation; the Callahan purchase and demolition motion was approved by voice vote in the meeting. The discussion about the other downtown parcels included appraisal amounts and offers but did not record a final purchase vote in the excerpt.