by Geoff Fox
Back in April, town officials put out a request for purchase bids for 77 West Main Street, the building formerly known as Weaver’s Restaurant, which the town owns.
At the May town meeting, Faith said the town received only one proposal and council members opened it during the meeting.
Faith opened the sealed packet for town officials, telling them the bid was for $45,000.
“That was the only bid we received,” he said.
Steve Younker was the lone bidder.
He said his idea was to do a full, “quite extensive” renovation of the property, noting there was “a lot of damage.”
Younker noted issues with the roof and structural damage due to exposure to the wood in the building.
When renovations are complete, Younker said he would like to rent out the apartments above the former restaurant and redoing the storefront, bringing a new business to town.
Whatever business would go into the storefront hasn’ t been identified, but some ideas have been thrown around, he said.
“What’s there needs significant, significant work,” he said.
Faith asked Younker how many units were upstairs that would be rented out, which Y ounker told him it would all have to be reframed and reconfigured.
But they both projected three units.
The basement would also need some attention as there is an intrusion of water.
“Ultimately there has to be a healthy environment with whatever that usage it,” Younker said.
Lanehart said there had been interest in leasing the building, but the town wasn’t
interested in going that route. Younker said should town officials accept his bid, the apartment could possibly be available in six to eight months.
Accessibility would be an issue, but there is a spot behind the building for removal of material. He noted the roof would have to be done ASAP with other renovations being internal.
Mold also has to be addressed in the structure to make it habitable.
Town officials unanimously accepted Younker’s bid, gave the town attorney permission to draw up a sale contract and gave Mayor Roland Lanehart permission to sign the contract.
Town Attorney Ed Kuczynski said he’d have to prepare the paperwork for Younker with all the details.
