Board of Works approves property transfer

Columbus Parks and Rec will have additional storage space after action taken by the Board of Public Works and Safety. Jamie Brinegar, the city’s director of finance, explains that the site at 1360 Jackson Street is attractive to the parks department.

The board voted unanimously on Tuesday to transfer ownership of the property from Parks and Rec to the city.

The Columbus Parks Board voted unanimously last week to purchase the site for $205,000. The property is owned by Norma Lienhoop, aunt of Mayor Jim Lienhoop. The mayor has recused himself from all business related to the proposed purchase.

The former Machinery Moving site was found to have environmental contamination during the appraisal process. However, local officials expressed confidence that the issue can be remedied at little expense locally. Pam Harrell, director of business services for Columbus Parks and Rec, explained during the July 24th meeting of the parks board that there is a solution to the cleanup issue.

Once the property is in the city’s name, discussions with Indiana Brownfields can move forward.