Go Back

 

City Considering Purchase Of Church Property

    The City of Umatilla’s desire to ‘bank’ land for future potential development in the center of town has led it to consider the purchase a former church parsonage and office building.  The Umatilla City Council, acting as the town community development area board, on Tuesday, June 2, agreed to offer the First Baptist Church of Umatilla $215,000 for a two-story home located on Orange Lane.
    The building served as the church’s offices for decades, before it moved to a current location on Hatfield Drive next to the church.  Before that, the building served as the church’s parsonage, with the former Baptist church located next door.
    The CRA board instructed city staff to pursue a contract to be returned for approval.  Staff said the building had been appraised at $230,000, but stated that the $215,000 could be accepted.
    “How does this play into the plan?” inquired board member Bear Crockett, leading city manager Aaron Mercer to discuss the longer range plan of potentially acquiring additional property in the area for a future, as yet unknown, city use.  Already, the city has purchased a former parking area along Cassady Street that was previously owned by the church.
    In recent years, the city has been aggressive about adding property when possible.  The city purchased a former automobile garage along Lakeside Avenue across from city hall to expand Cadwell Park, and more recently purchased a home across from a city parking lot on Orange Lane. That home was demolished several months ago, with the open lot’s future purpose undeclared.
    Several years ago, the city purchased a home on the other side of downtown, at the intersection Ocala Street and Kentucky Avenue.  In that location, the city has continue to rent a home at the site, with the location slated as future parking should the Umatilla Boulevard area grow in commerce and need additional spaces.
    The money from all the purchases comes from the city’s CRA fund, which houses tax dollars raised on property lying within the CRA boundary.  The city had budgeted roughly $300,000 in the current budget year for land purchases.