"The Hole" Or "The Pit" has long been an eyesore to the town, with
numerous deals for its development falling through
Grantsville Mayor Curtis Garretson is re-visiting the disposition of the old town hall and adjacent property, referred to locally as "the pit."
Garretson says a January 3 meeting will be dedicated to discuss the issue with council and the public.
A press release calls for the discussion of plans for the space, such as "auctioning, selling, trading, or status quo."
"Depending on the town council's decision, the mayor will then ask for permission from the council to proceed with the desired outcome," says the release.
"If the council decides to move forward with getting rid of the property, necessary steps will be taken to ensure that the transaction is done properly."
The mayor is calling for public input at the meeting regarding the disposition of the property.
In 2010, Calhoun Banks gave up on a two-year effort to purchase the property for a new bank and drive-thru.
The bank had done an extensive feasibility study on the property, including core drilling, and examining a number of problems that hovers over the site, but the offer was rejected by the former mayor and council.
The 111 year old banking institution has 47 employees, 23 at the main branch in Grantsville, in addition to part-time help.
Bennett said the Grantsville banking services are in multiple locations, and needs to be built for convenient customer service with parking. He said an acre of ground is needed.
The town hall complex was demolished after it was declared unsafe for use in 2006.
Over the years the property has been the object of numerous battles regarding its use.
A few years ago, following the condemnation of the old town hall, a battle followed after local businessman Steve Satterfield attempted to get the property for a convenience store.
Another Grantsville businessman James Morris engaged Satterfield over his obtaining the property, including court action, after which Satterfield abandoned his project.
Satterfield had proposed building a new town hall on Main Street property he owned in a trade deal for the town real estate.
Morris' attorney called Satterfield's deal a "pig in a poke," although Morris had attempted his own trade, two properties on Court Street on the flood plain for the town hall.
The Morris business interests donated equipment and labor for the demolition of the old town hall property, and was active in trying to obtain funding for a new town hall.
The Town of Grantsville once had a vision to build a new town hall on the site for about $250,000 dollars, having architectural plans drawn with a committee formed to raise funds for the new structure.
GRANTSVILLE PRESS RELEASE
The Town of Grantsville City Council meeting on Tuesday January 3rd, 2012 will be discussing in detail the plans for the town lot across from the senior citizen building (also known as the "Pit").
The Mayor of Grantsville will bring up the discussion with the town council about the before mentioned lot. The town council will then discuss their desired plans for the space, such as auctioning, selling, trading, or status quo.
The Mayor will then ask the public (those in attendance) for any discussions at that point. Depending on the town councils decision, the mayor will then ask for permission from the council to proceed with the desired outcome.
If the council decides to move forward with getting rid of the property, necessary steps will be taken to ensure that the transaction is done properly. If you're interested in the outcome of this lot, I encourage you to be in attendance.
Curtis Garretson
Mayor of Grantsville
See related story CALHOUN BANKS DROPS ACQUIRING TOWN-OWNED PROPERTY FOR NEW FACILITY - We Thanked Them For Their Interest, Says CEO Bennett
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