by Geoff Fox
Hancock Mayor Roland Lanehart, Jr. has signed the contract for the sale of building at 317 and 319 East Main Street to architect Bruno Reich.
After review from the town’s attorney and Reich’s signature, the town just needs to have the earnest money in the account.
Reich previously outlined his plans to develop the large formerly industrial building into retail space and other commercial ventures.
Once money is deposited into an escrow account, Reich has 60 days for a review period, which he doesn’t have to use.
Town Manager Mike Faith said with the amount of time Reich has already been in the building, he may not use the entire 60 days for review.
The way the contract is written up, the eastern end of the building would still be used and leased by the town for Public Works until a new building is constructed.
Another option built into the contract, Faith said, is the town wouldn’t have to lease anything.
“The contract is written up to give us that flexibility,” Faith said.
Should the town decide to lease the space, it would be under a separate contract.
A third option for the town’s Public Works needs would be the former State Highway building beside the current Public Works building.
Faith said it would be up to the mayor and council to decide how to move forward.
The planned site for a future Public Works building would be at the well house on Graves Drive.
Faith said it would be a good location as the town has “plenty of property,” equipment, and the well house there.
“We didn’t necessarily want a street facing Public Works building,” Faith said. “It wouldn’t be a highlight of Main Street or anything.”
The location would also provide extra security, as there’s only one way in and one way out.