Elimination of a downtown Elkin eyesore hit a snag recently when the town was challenged about its attempt to give away the property.
The town board voted last month to give what is known as the Rock Facade to North Wilkesboro developer Carolyn McDowell. It was to be the second time the property has been given away under an agreement to turn it into a viable commercial space that would provide the town with property tax revenue.
The first time the property, that consists of a historically significant rock wall and open downtown lot, reverted to the town when another developer failed to complete the investment in an allotted time. Town officials apparently were giving the property under the belief that they could not sell it for cash.
The agreement with McDowell was that she meet a series of deadlines for obtaining a building permit and starting and completing construction of a three story building behind the facade.
She would get the property and historic preservation tax credits for maintaining the existence of the stone building front. She told commissioners she had a great interest in preserving historic structures and planned the Main Street level and below as commercial space. A top floor would be upscale apartment space.
At the Sept. 10 town board meeting, local real estate agent Steve Noga wanted to know why the town-owned property had not been advertised for bid. "I've had three developers in here to look at it. I'll provide you with their names and numbers," he said.
Mayor Pro Tem Lestine Hutchens told Noga that this was at least the second time they had tried to give the property away and it had come back to the town before.
"The market for property is changing," Noga told them. "Why would the town give away an asset that has value to the town?" He then asked had there been a public hearing on giving the property to McDowell.
Town attorney Raymond Parker said there had not been one and one would be necessary before the transfer of property could go through. It has been scheduled for Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.
After that commissioners will consider whether to give final approval to the transfer. Noga plans to return to that hearing.
Post a Comment
