Tuesday, October 31st, 2017
Rockford buys land to expand park
Project in village's future
By Tom Stankard
ROCKFORD - A land purchase by village officials could be used to expand Shanes Park in the future.
Council members during a special meeting on Monday approved the purchase of the lot at 506 W. Bridge St. for $70,000. The property is owned by SL Meyers Properties and contains three parcels of land totaling roughly 2.25 acres, according to village administrator Jeff Long.
The sum will be paid using existing money in the general fund, Long said.
The property located next to Shanes Park is "not in good shape" and consists of a house and about 25 trailers, Long said, noting the house and trailers are worn down.
"When you get an opportunity like this, I think it's a good idea. We're looking for the next 100 years," he said about expanding the park.
Future plans may include converting the land into green space, Long noted.
Residents living on the property will have until February to move out, Long said. When the village takes ownership, the residents will not be charged rent but must pay their utilities until Feb. 15.
Moving forward, the house will be assessed and the trailers will be demolished or scrapped, if possible, Long said.
