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Council moves forward on Cherry Street widening, authorizes property negotiations and VOA building purchase
Summary
Council approved proceeding with a Cherry Street reconstruction and widening estimated at about $440,000, authorized the mayor to negotiate two property purchases up to $29,002.50, and approved purchase steps for the VOA building at 313 South Meridian.
City staff briefed the Winchester City Council on a Cherry Street reconstruction that will widen the roadway approximately three feet (1.5 feet per side) within an existing right-of-way and shift alignment to avoid utilities and hydrants. Staff said the city recently acquired property on the north end that will allow the project to proceed without purchasing easements. The council reviewed maps, timing and utility coordination; the total estimate to widen the road was noted at roughly $440,000, with the council planning to apply local roads-and-streets funds and coordinate with a $500,000 installment from Ardell already discussed in prior budget planning.
Following the presentation, a motion was made and seconded to move forward with the Cherry Street reconstruction; the council carried the motion and authorized staff to proceed.
On related real-estate matters, the council reviewed two appraisals for South Main parcels (average $29,002.50) and voted to adopt Resolution 2026-8 authorizing the mayor to enter negotiations to purchase specified properties (115 1/5th and 117 South Point Street) for an amount not to exceed $29,002.50. Council members discussed demolition and condemnation options and directed staff to continue negotiations and address liens, taxes and potential asbestos inspections as part of due diligence.
The council also considered purchase steps for the VOA building at 313 South Meridian. Appraisals averaged $429,062.50 while the proposed purchase price is $187,500; the council adopted a resolution authorizing negotiation and next steps for that purchase.
Why it matters: the Cherry Street project is a capital streets investment that will affect traffic flow and large-vehicle turning movements along a key corridor; the property negotiation resolutions clear the way for potential acquisitions needed for right-of-way and blight-removal actions.
What’s next: staff will coordinate utility relocations and schedule the Cherry Street work (projected for next spring/early summer), continue negotiations for property purchases under the price ceiling set by the council, and finalize the VOA building purchase agreement with buyer counsel as needed.
