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Historical Society mulling home offer
By Darcie Loreno
T-G Staff Writer
After meeting Thursday, the Historical Society board of trustees plans to put together a counter proposal to an $85,000 bid on its A.N. Myers home made by the Center Street Historic District Association last week.
The bid was made on the home, which the society purchased for $186,000 in 1998, in an effort to avoid demolition by the society, an option it previously said was more financially viable than renovation.
“We’ll see where that goes,” said Phil Leibolt, board of trustees president, of the counter offer. “I think we view what they have as a serious interest. We’ll look over our options here and will make them a counter offer.”
Leibolt said he couldn’t discuss any more details on a counter offer because they haven’t been pinned down by the board. But the society should have something soon, possibly in the next couple weeks, he said.
The association made the offer last week based on a local appraisal. It was stated by the association representative John Good said they’re happy to still be “in the ball game.”
“We’re just happy they are considering our offer,” Good said.
He had considered getting an in junction to stop the demolition if necessary.
The city’s Building and Zoning office has approved a demolition permit for the society. Leibolt said the society has repeatedly stated demolition plans are not immediate.
We’ll see how it works out,” Leibolt said.
The society in July applied to the Historic preservation board for demolition of the home. The application was denied, an action which put into effect a 60 day period for exploration of alternatives. At the end of that period, which was Oct. 2, an extension could go into effect, a purchase or lease offer considered or demolition would proceed.
The association made its offer Sept. 29 with a tentative 10 day consideration period for the society. But Good said that period is flexible while the society thinks over the offer. He said the group is happy the society considered its option.
“To me, it’s odd these two entities, one would think they have the same goal, are in the position where they are at odds with each other,” Good said. “I’m hoping we can work this out on a friendly basis.”
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