They are expected to change the zoning from Public and Semi-public Services to Highway Commercial to maximize the sale value. At the same time, they want to have a say in any future uses. They have discussed deed restrictions to limit future uses.  Some on council are hoping a developer will use the site for affordable housing.  The property is 8/10 of an acre and can accommodate an 8,700 sq ft nonresidential building in addition to a maximum of 12 affordable residential units.  

The council indicated the sale proceeds would be used to replenish the fund balance (the primary source of funding when the church was purchased last year.)

Manager Saunders indicated he would schedule a community workshop to receive feedback from the public regarding the church property as well as the potential uses for other village owned sites.  The church property will then be on the agenda in September for an official decision by council as to possible re-zoning and sale.

Interesting: The Village contracted with Miller Legg for $175,750 to create a master plan for Founders Park.  The draft plan presented at a recent workshop included a huge two-story Community Center costing nearly $35 million.  Perhaps the Church, with needed renovations of $1 million, would be a better option in the long term.

Or find a developer to build housing with a land lease.