WCDC Still Deciding Fate Of Comstock House
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Members of the Warsaw Community Development Corporation continued discussions Tuesday regarding ownership of the Comstock House.
President Clint Pletcher addressed the organization's financial liabilities in operating the facility, a 130-year old building which currently houses low-income residents in the downtown area.
"We might be painting ourselves into a corner with certain issues," Pletcher said. "It's been a successful program so far but (it's) becoming a source of financial burden."
Bruce Woodward, who represented the property Tuesday, said he contacted state officials from the Indiana Housing Community Development Corporation. Because of past grant monies received for the project, a new owner of the Comstock House would be required to follow state regulations, including renting the property at a fair market value.
"If the property is put on the market at a bargain price there would be investors willing to take on the compliance," Woodward said.
Pletcher said the building's current leases would be honored. All contracts are based on a month-to-month agreement.
The board also discussed whether a local organization would be interested in its acquisition. The building is not limited to non-for-profit businesses, and private ownership would be allowed.
"It appears that there is an opportunity out there," Pletcher said.
Woodward said he would continue efforts on the matter and present his findings to the board.
The board also:
• Heard reports from Kevin Zachary regarding the status of the Biblical Gardens. Zachary said clean up currently is taking place, and six tours are booked for the summer.
• Discussed the options for removing a utility pole on the northwest corner of Market and Buffalo streets.
The power source is used for community events, such as Downtown Days, but members are concerned with its deterioration and hope to improve the aesthetic of the courthouse lawn.
Members said they would look into rerouting lines so an outlet could be placed elsewhere within the block.
In other business, the WCDC:
• Discussed the board's new responsibility of acquiring lights for the now year-round downtown tree displays.
Following an agreement Monday at the city council meeting, WCDC is responsible for purchasing the lights. The city will cover all related equipment and installation fees. [[In-content Ad]]
Members of the Warsaw Community Development Corporation continued discussions Tuesday regarding ownership of the Comstock House.
President Clint Pletcher addressed the organization's financial liabilities in operating the facility, a 130-year old building which currently houses low-income residents in the downtown area.
"We might be painting ourselves into a corner with certain issues," Pletcher said. "It's been a successful program so far but (it's) becoming a source of financial burden."
Bruce Woodward, who represented the property Tuesday, said he contacted state officials from the Indiana Housing Community Development Corporation. Because of past grant monies received for the project, a new owner of the Comstock House would be required to follow state regulations, including renting the property at a fair market value.
"If the property is put on the market at a bargain price there would be investors willing to take on the compliance," Woodward said.
Pletcher said the building's current leases would be honored. All contracts are based on a month-to-month agreement.
The board also discussed whether a local organization would be interested in its acquisition. The building is not limited to non-for-profit businesses, and private ownership would be allowed.
"It appears that there is an opportunity out there," Pletcher said.
Woodward said he would continue efforts on the matter and present his findings to the board.
The board also:
• Heard reports from Kevin Zachary regarding the status of the Biblical Gardens. Zachary said clean up currently is taking place, and six tours are booked for the summer.
• Discussed the options for removing a utility pole on the northwest corner of Market and Buffalo streets.
The power source is used for community events, such as Downtown Days, but members are concerned with its deterioration and hope to improve the aesthetic of the courthouse lawn.
Members said they would look into rerouting lines so an outlet could be placed elsewhere within the block.
In other business, the WCDC:
• Discussed the board's new responsibility of acquiring lights for the now year-round downtown tree displays.
Following an agreement Monday at the city council meeting, WCDC is responsible for purchasing the lights. The city will cover all related equipment and installation fees. [[In-content Ad]]