The area of City Hall and City Park has seen expansion
throughout the years. Originally much of the property was acquired from private
property owners but as the opportunity presented itself tax forfeit parcels
were acquired and additional lots were purchased within the area. With the additional land, came the development
of the city park, the ball field, and parking for the public landing.
With the future in mind the city included a goal in the
Comprehensive Plan to acquire additional property in this area for expansion of
the city campus. The area referenced in
the plan is bounded by the platted roadways of North Spruce Drive (Minimum
Maintenance roadway section) and North Drives.
The goal provides that it could be put to use as a Park or possibly
other public uses. A good deal of this
area is and was tax forfeit property.
Portions of it continue to be held by private parties.
Recently it was noticed that properties north of the Public
Safety Building along Co. Rd. 11 were listed for sale. There are 6 lots owned by an individual
between North Spruce Drive and the Public Safety Building, which comprise 1.74
acres. Upon review the City Council was
asked to consider this purchase. The
listing for the property was at $20,000 while the county has it appraised at
$17,200. Upon council consideration an
offer was extended to purchase the property for $17,200. The offer has been accepted and the purchase
will occur in April.
