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Town discusses buying former Jiffy Lube site for pocket park; EDA grant would offset most cost, purchase not finalized
Summary
Council referenced a proposed $899,000 purchase of 200 South Avenue (former Jiffy Lube) and a $660,000 EDA grant; the council has authorized an ordinance amount but the purchase and grant paperwork remain incomplete and environmental responsibilities were discussed as a condition of any acquisition.
Town presenters described ongoing work around a potential pocket‑park purchase at 200 South Avenue and answered residents' questions about costs and environmental liability.
The presenter said the council previously authorized an ordinance to allocate $900,000 toward purchasing the property (the seller's price was stated as $899,000 plus closing costs). The town reported it has been awarded a $660,000 grant from a state/federal program administered through the Economic Development Agency; if the grant and purchase both proceed, the town's net out‑of‑pocket cost would be substantially reduced. The presenter emphasized the purchase is not finalized: the grant paperwork and interagency agreements remain outstanding and the council must still pass a resolution to approve the acquisition.
Responding to questions, the presenter said environmental issues at the site exist but are being addressed in negotiations and the town is working to ensure any remaining monitoring or cleanup obligations remain with prior owners or other responsible parties rather than the town if the sale completes. An early estimate in the grant application put pocket‑park build‑out costs at roughly $600,000, but presenters cautioned that design, implementation and ongoing maintenance costs remain to be determined.
Residents asked whether the town would lose property‑tax revenue if the parcel is publicly owned; presenters said the tax loss would be small relative to the purchase and that the EDA grant provides a three‑year window to close and complete work if the project proceeds. The presenter reiterated the matter will come back to council for formal action after grant paperwork and environmental agreements are finalized.
