During its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, the Common Council voted 3-4 against the purchase of the vacant lot known as the former ‘Guys Shop’ property located at 913 East First Street, for the development of a downtown pocket park.
The Redevelopment Authority recommended the $25,000 purchase from Lincoln Community Bank. However during discussion on Tuesday evening, City Administrator Dave Johnson advised the council of Lincoln Community Bank lowering the purchase price to $20,000. Opposition to the purchase cited concerns over costs to further develop the property, as well as the purchase price compared to the value of the property. Pete Lokemoen, John Burgener, Dave Sukow and Rob Norton stood opposed.
The council unanimously approved amending the upcoming Superior Street project on Tuesday evening, to omit the addition of sidewalks. Council president John Burgener motioned for the amendment, citing a recent petition consisting of 13 signatures from area residents opposed to the sidewalk addition. Other council members spoke in favor of the move, citing relatively low traffic in the area mitigating an immediate need for a sidewalk addition.