|
 |
 |
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
|
|
|
Blue Sky out; City puts Cookson up for sale
by Rick DeClue · News · August 10, 2012
A feasibility study conducted by Blue Sky Developers did not support their intent to convert the former Cookson Community Center to apartments.
So at the Aug. 5 West Branch City Council meeting, the council directed City Administrator Matt Muckler to solicit sealed bids, with a Sept. 14 deadline.
The city had given Blue Sky a 90-day exclusive contract to review the property, but the company ended its review early and told the city the contract could expire.
Council member Jim Oaks made an appeal to first try listing the property for four months with a national realtor in order to market the property for redevelopment to its original use as an assisted living facility.
He said that a national realtor would provide broader exposure than the typical newspaper announcements of a sealed-bid process.
Oaks said that in addition to providing jobs and returning the property to the city’s tax base, he feels the city needs assisted living. He noted personally that he is 71 and does not want to leave West Branch if the time comes when he needs this service. Council member Mark Worrell said he had heard similar comments from several West Branch residents over 65.
Council member Dan O’Neil questioned whether a four-month listing would be a step backwards. He pointed out that the city had already passed two resolutions on the intent to sell the property and instructed the city staff to solicit bids.
Council member Jordan Ellyson also expressed concern and said that, based on her experience, a national advertising campaign might simply result in the property being treated as a “back burner” listing.
At a cost of $1,500-2,000 for advertising the sealed bid process, the council was not looking to add expense. Worrell suggested using available internet resources such as Craigslist.org to broaden the reach at virtually no cost. He said that, as a small businessman, he constantly searches this and other sites for information and potential opportunities.
While not limiting bids to only an assisted living use of the property, the council instructed Muckler to develop a plan for broader Internet marketing to potential assisted living developers/operators. This would coincide with the more general sealed bid process, including keeping the Sept. 14 deadline.
Muckler said he will look into the League of Cities, the Iowa Health Care Association and other appropriate sites, along with Craigslist.org.
The Cookson family opened the facility in 1956, which served residents for more than 50 years. The 3.4-acre property was donated to the city in 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|