Franklin County approves multiple Buena Vista land sales, sets proceeds for park projects after resident plea

Franklin County Fiscal Court voted on a series of land transactions for parcels at 67 Buena Vista Drive, including awarding bids for Area 4 and Area 5, directing proceeds from sales to a restricted fund for park projects at the Buena Vista site, and approving purchase of a 3.75‑acre parcel for $350,000.

Melanie McIntosh, a nearby resident, told the court that her backyard backs up to Parcel 3 and described the area as an important green space where neighborhood children play and neighbors walk dogs. She asked the court to consider preserving Parcel 3 and, if feasible, to offer the neighborhood an opportunity to buy it.

The court debated whether some parcels should be rejected and whether appraisals reflected market value; commissioners said some lots are more suitable for housing while others could serve as buffers or parkland. One commissioner proposed dedicating proceeds from any sales of the Buena Vista property to fund park improvements at 67 Buena Vista; the court amended the agenda and approved that restriction by vote.

The court then moved through roll‑call votes to award the bids it supported and to purchase the 3.75‑acre parcel. Where bids were below appraisal, several commissioners said they wanted to reexamine the appraisal; where buyers proposed continued local development, the court noted potential economic development benefits. The planning process for conditional use and zoning will continue for buyers seeking to change a parcel’s use.

The court closed by asking staff to hold the sale proceeds in a restricted fund for Buena Vista park projects and directed staff to finalize contracts and bring any follow‑up details about appraisals and conditional permits back to the court.