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Property must be used right
Published Saturday, November 14, 2009
Economic development officials and Ironton leaders often talk about the need for prime developable land. But the definition of what that means and how it should be used leaves lots of room for interpretation.
From visions of a community park to becoming a glorified brush pile, something has gone drastically off course for plans to develop about four acres of land off of Lawrence Street.
Two years ago the city agreed to allow the Friends of Ironton to start developing the property adjacent to Moulton Field. The goal was to turn it into a park and bandstand.
Now those plans have been nixed because the Friends realized that the scope of the project was a little too much for the volunteer organization and have decided to focus on other projects like the splash park in downtown.
Now city officials are considering a plan that would lease the property to Custom Tree Service to use as temporary storage for wood materials.
The agreement would be the city extends a lease for 12 months with an option to renew for an additional 12 months at a rate of $200 per month.
All new wood materials brought to the site would require Custom Tree Service to have it removed off the site every five weeks.
We hope Mayor Rich Blankenship rethinks this plan or at the least leaves the city latitude to terminate the lease at any time if other opportunities arise or if the storage becomes an eyesore.
This property could be so much more to the community than wood storage.
It borders the Moulton Field park that could certainly be expanded and improved. If properly policed, this could provide much-needed “green space” for residents.
Or, because this property adjoins Ironton Hills and developable land that is part of the shopping center, it could be developed for commercial use.
It would take a significant investment to provide the needed infrastructure and eliminate any flooding problems but that would make more sense.
We hope city officials slow down to look at all its options. This decision could have lasting impact on the entire community.
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Comments
Posted by RabidTiger (anonymous) on November 15, 2009 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How difficult is it to build some small pic-nic shelters and put in a few barbque pits along with trees and recreation equipment for children...
Plant some extra trees... and lots of flowers... with ample
parking for the families that would utilize this area..??
It would be a nice place for a farmers market...
It would be a nice place for a joint soccer field
and baseball field...
with the pic nic shelters and extra picnic tables all
around... and ample security lighting and POLICEING the area...
this would be a wonderful area for Ironton families.
Family and Church Reunions... High School Class Reunions...
the potential is endless...!!!
For crying out loud Mayor and Ironton City Council...
USE YOUR HEADS FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN A HAT RACK..!!!
Posted by indieVoter (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's a good sentiment but how much would a park like that really give in terms of return on investment? Aren't there a lot of other places like what's being described already in existence in our area?
We aren't in a place financially to invest in things that don't make money and/or generate revenues. We live in Appalachia. There's nothing BUT green around us. A park might be a nice quality-of-life thing but we need to invest carefully now, while money is so tight.
Posted by jonferguson (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
indieVoter,
I agree with you, but man, there is a fine line there. Investments need to be made to both increae financial stability as well as quality of life. Its a hard sell obviously because of finances, but then when you try to bring a business into the area, the first thing they want to know about is "What is there to do in Ironton?"
That's why I think its great that they are revitalizing the Ro-Na theater, Ironton in Bloom is sprucing things up, and maybe even, ~gulp~, put a nice park in the town.
I understand your financial concerns, trust me. It does seem like putting the cart before the horse. But a lot of times, that's what potential businesses want you to do for them. Give them a reason to make Ironton their new home.
Just my take on things....
Posted by nooneimportant (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i dont agree with this i think the friends of ironton is an amazing thing. however i dont see why the town is allowing them to turn all this land into a park. this could be used for business like custom tree service and start bringing jobs back into town, which i believe is more important but i dont make those decisions. yes they could leave at any time however if the town is good to them they will be good to the town. you dont get something for nothing. so just stop and look around theres alot of land in ironton that could be used for prospected business but noone will ever plant there roots in town if the town doesnt make prices competitive with the others that have put there bid in with the prospective business.
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