ASHLAND — Ashland’s aim to facilitate housing and business development in the northern part of town took a step forward on Tuesday night.
City Council members approved purchasing land in the northeast corner of U.S. Route 250 and State Route 511. The plot of land, which is less than an acre, will be purchased for $20,000 after Mayor Matt Miller negotiated the price down from $30,000.
“We’re not talking about putting a business in there, but this small piece of land could play a big role in future housing development in that area,” Miller said. “I don’t think we can afford to not have control of it as we move in the future.
“Over the last several years, I’ve actually shown that whole area to multiple developers that were interested in finding locations for additional housing in our community,” Miller said.
The city will own the land until a developer wants to purchase the property with the intention of creating housing.
Council also removed an ordinance from the agenda which would have authorized the sale of land owned by the city at Tuesday’s meeting.
Miller said the land is in the industrial park and will be sold to a potential business, which has been in the works since August.
Miller requested further information about an aspect of the development project and did not receive it ahead of the council meeting. He hopes to bring the ordinance in front of council at the next meeting.
Other business
Council also approved two resolutions declaring its intent to vacate two alleys in Ashland: one located between 7th and 8th Streets and the other — which never developed into an alley — located between Ashland Avenue and Electric Avenue.
“This is simply a driveway to service this building along the south side,” Miller told council, explaining there is still an entrance to the facility from Birch Street as well.
Council must have a public hearing about vacating the alleys before it can approve an ordinance. The hearing will be at the March 3 council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m.
Miller also reminded Ashland residents that the city will host an extra special 4th of July parade to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Immediately following the parade, the city is planning to install and dedicate a new monument, dedicated to freedom.
He said the monument will be located in the Pumphouse District, made of marble and weighing over 35,000 pounds.