Rising Sun approves purchase of 19 East Cherry Street for downtown parking and revitalization

The mayor and Board of Commissioners of Rising Sun approved a resolution authorizing the town to purchase the property at 19 East Cherry Street for $345,000, the board said at its April 8, 2025 meeting.

The resolution states the town will enter into a contract of sale for 19 East Cherry Street and authorizes Town Administrator Calvin A. Bonneville Jr. to execute “any and all documents necessary to consummate said purchase.” The resolution frames the acquisition as part of efforts to promote economic development and improve the Main Street area for “ultimate reuse in the community.”

Town Administrator Calvin A. Bonneville Jr. read the resolution into the record and identified the purchase price and the administrator’s authority to close the transaction. During discussion, the mayor said the elected body is “really excited to finally get Main Street parking under control” and noted the property will be combined with a nearby Jensen property to expand parking for downtown businesses.

A motion to approve Resolution 2025-08 was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. The meeting record shows the board answered “Aye” when the mayor called for the vote and the chair declared the resolution passed.

The resolution text says the purchase is intended to support Main Street revitalization; it does not specify an immediate redevelopment plan, projected parking capacity, or funding source beyond a general reference in the meeting to grant funds being used for property acquisitions. The town attorney noted the contract and settlement steps are being processed and that tenant removal and settlement scheduling remain part of the closing sequence.

The acquisition is final once closing documents are executed by the administrator as authorized in the resolution.