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Solid Waste board authorizes appraisal for 5441 US 52 (Ironwood Farms) as potential site for transfer station
Summary
The board agreed to fund an initial commercial appraisal for a proposed 27‑acre site at 5441 US 52 (Ironwood Farms), described by staff as a 3,800 sq ft commercial building on a 27‑acre parcel offered at $1.6 million; members raised zoning, access, and fire‑suppression concerns and scheduled a July site visit.
The Boone County Solid Waste District Board voted to commission an initial appraisal for a proposed site at 5441 US 52 (Ironwood Farms) as it continues a multi‑site search for a permanent transfer‑station facility. Staff characterized the parcel as roughly 27 acres with a 3,800‑square‑foot commercial‑standard building built in 2022 and an asking price of $1.6 million.
"This is for sale right now for 1.6 million," staff (Ms. Lawrence/Jennifer) said while outlining travel times to area population centers, existing asphalt and gravel lots on the site, and utility availability (commercial septic, on‑site well, Boone Power service, and internet options). She described potential uses for the existing building as office and education space while a new warehouse or collection building would later be constructed.
Board members raised planning and zoning risks: the parcel sits in agricultural zoning under Boone County jurisdiction and would likely require a special‑exception approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals for transfer‑station operations. Members also discussed the expense of required fencing and landscaping buffers, potential fire‑suppression needs (sprinklers or alternative systems), traffic access, and how appraised value will limit the amount the district can pay as a governmental purchaser.
Given those uncertainties, the board moved to fund one appraisal as an initial feasibility check; staff noted that two appraisals would be required later for official purchase negotiations or bond documentation, but a single appraisal can give an early ballpark estimate. The motion passed unanimously (5‑0). The board set a July 10 special meeting/site visit to continue the site evaluation and asked staff to report back with appraisal results and any additional options.
Next steps: staff will commission the desktop/commercial appraisal, report the findings to the board, continue comparative analysis of other potential properties, and use the July site visit to inform whether to pursue a purchase agreement and associated due diligence.
