The news Tuesday was good for proponents of the grocery store and residential complex expected to occupy the grounds of the old Allen County Hospital.
After lengthy consideration of the proposal last week, county commissioners unanimously agreed to grant a 24-month option to Iola Industries for the portion of the hospital grounds surrounding the site of the eventual G & W Foods.
The price for the property is listed at $20,000, half of which is to be paid up front, half when the option is executed.
Iola Industries intends to use the land for the construction of market-rate apartments and duplexes. According to a letter presented to the commission last week by Iola Industries president John McRae — details of which were articulated in full in last week’s Register — the group is in the “advanced stage” of a discussion with housing developer Tom Carlson.
The first phase of construction, which could begin as early as this spring, will likely result in 20 two-bedroom units with prime access to the new grocery store. Additional apartments and a series of duplexes are expected to follow.
In his presentation to the committee Tuesday morning, County Counselor Alan Weber echoed many over the years who have petitioned for a more diverse menu of housing options in Iola. “It would be good to have some nice apartments in town. The nice apartments in town now pretty much get filled up.”
Unlike his colleagues on the commission, who were favorably disposed toward the option from the start, Jim Talkington was cautious in his assent up to the last. “I have no desire to stall this project. I’m just trying to look at what’s best for the county assets, keeping it as transparent as possible and giving anybody an opportunity to do what they can at any time during this process.”
Talkington’s concerns were mollified some by Weber, who reminded him that the option “doesn’t take effect until we have a published notice and have a hearing. [At that point,] if someone comes in with a hell of a lot better deal and you want to take it, you can take it.”
Anyone with comments on or objections to the sale is invited to appear before the commission on Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m.
Commissioners Jerry Daniels and Tom Williams, meanwhile, reaffirmed their commitment to the option. “I’m ready to move forward,” said Williams. “I think it’s good for the county, it’s good for the city, it’s good for everybody. And I think it will be good for the grocery store. I have to assume that’s one of the reasons they’re looking at coming to this area.”
Plans for the grocery store received another boost when Weber, after consultation with the city’s zoning chief, informed the commissioners that the ground where the new grocery store will be positioned is already appropriately zoned for commercial use. “The bottom line here is that zoning is good for the grocery. This will not be an impediment to [G & W].”
The area intended for apartments, however, will have to be rezoned to meet specific residential standards. But, Weber explained, that process is relatively uncomplicated and, if the proper paperwork is in order, can be completed in as little as 60 days.
In holiday news, Talkington, Daniels and Williams gave Relay for Life the thumbs up to decorate the town bandstand for Christmas.
County approves option for housing units
