Columbus Parks Board approves purchase of Jackson Street property

Columbus Parks and Rec will have additional storage space under a purchase agreement approved Wednesday afternoon by the Columbus Parks Board.

The board voted unanimously to approve an agreement to purchase the vacant former Machinery Moving Inc. site at 1360 Jackson Street for $205,000. The site is currently owned by Norma Lienhoop, aunt of Mayor Jim Lienhoop. The mayor has recused himself from all business related to the proposed purchase.

The previous agreed-upon price for the site was $300,000, but environmental contamination found in subsequent inspections resulted in lower appraisals, resulting in the updated purchase price. Under the agreement, the city would pay Ms. Lienhoop annual installments of $34,166.67. The first installment would be paid at closing, while subsequent annual payments would be made before on, or before, March 1st.

Parks Director Mark Jones has indicated that the property would be used as a storage facility for the department. He noted the property’s proximity to other parks properties.

Pam Harrell, director of business services for parks and rec, explains that there is a solution related to the issue of cleanup…

Harrell explained that until the property is owned by the city, discussions with Indiana Brownfield are at a standstill.

The measure now goes to the Board of Public Works and Safety for consideration.