Goodman looks to sell land for bank expansion

The Goodman board of aldermen’s meeting opened with a public hearing on the sale of a sliver of city property.

Remodeling plans for First Community Bank stalled because of their building’s age. Now the bank wants to build anew on property just across from their present location and they’re asking the city tosell them a piece of city property. The bank owns a triangular piece of property along Main Street, stretching from Warn Street, just past Goodman Floral. They want to build on the gravel lot.

A slice of land behind the property was once Stites Street, but when the city vacated the land it went back to the original owner, at that time Virginia Warn. The city still owns a piece of land behind that and the bank wants to buy it so they will have enough room for a drive through. They have offered to restore an old jail on the property – currently no more than a vine-covered 8 by 12-foot room, with a twisted set of bars propped in front. Surveyors are still trying to find out square footage of the property. The city’s only remaining concern is if the bank intends to build on a stretch of water lines that run 2 to 3-feet in front of the fence on the property. The bank will use the former American Legion lot for parking during construction, then turn it into a green space.

The board will take up the issue again at its next meeting.

A de-annexation request put forward by Aaron Hutchinson was denied by the board during the meeting. Proceedings to approve the request started in January, but after looking at the property lines the city discovered de-annexing Hutchinson’s property would make two others not contiguous to the city.

“Basically we can’t de-annex the property,” said Mayor Calvin Wilson.

Initially, the city thought land on Highway 59 kept the other properties inside. Water mains run through the area to reach the other two homes. A water meter has been installed for the business and home located on the property, although the property owners are not linked in to city water or sewer. A city light pole sits on the property and it receives police protection.

Hutchinson requested the de-annexation because he says he does not use city services and because he is unable to get Mediacom service at his home.  

The city also objected on the grounds that taxpayers would have to shoulder the burden of a special election. The last election cost the city approximately $795 and they would have no other item on a ballot in August or November elections. The board motioned to cease de-annexation proceedings, reversing their January decision.

Betterment Club president Larry Newton presented an informational item regarding plans for the helicopter pad across from city hall. The pad is currently 20 by 20-feet, but a grassy path of mole holes and the soft turf leads to the pad and during a recent run medics were afraid their patient would spill from the gurney.
Newton said the Goodman Fire Protection District, the Betterment Club, the city and Freeman Health System should pool their resources to update the pad.

When it was first built, it met Freeman’s standards, but now the hospital has requested a 5-foot sidewalk to the pad and an additional 5-feet all the way around for a 25 by 25-foot pad.

He estimates it would take 10 yards of concrete at approximately $85 a yard and that the entire cost for materials could be about $1,500 with volunteer labor.

“We’re not in a position to make a proposal right now,” Newton said.

He advised the board that the club will return with a proposal to split costs for the operation in the future.