Columbus officials closer to to Fair Oaks deal
The city of Columbus’ purchase of the Fair Oaks Mall property is one step closer. Mary Ferdon, the city’s director of administration, talks about the proposal…
The city of Columbus has partnered with Columbus Regional Health and Heritage Fund: The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County to offer to purchase the more than 35 acre site for $5.9 million. The current breakdown of costs is $4,087,500 from the city, $1,362,500 from CRH and $450,000 from Heritage Fund. Mayor Jim Lienhoop says the goal is to create an indoor sports facility for the parks department, attached to a CRH run clinic. The specifics of how and what the site will be developed into has yet to be established.
The city council voted unanimously Tuesday night to create the non-profit group, Fair Oaks Community Development Corporation, as well as appoint Karen Niverson, director of the Columbus Visitors Center, and City Councilman Tim Shuffett to the board of directors.
Ferdon says that there are eight directors, with the city getting six and CRH getting two. The Fair Oaks Community Development Corporation will have its first meeting Thursday at 9 a.m. at city hall. These meetings are open to the public.
Officials say the hope is that the property will be closed on before the end of the year.