By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
A deteriorating barn on city-owned land within Whitewater could soon meet the wrecking ball, though no firm decisions have been made.
The Whitewater Community Development Authority on Dec. 10 discussed the merits of preserving or razing the barn, located on a once agricultural homestead along Howard Road. The parcel is eyed for future development and is under the control of the CDA.
When the city purchased the property, the adjacent home was demolished, but the barn has endured. It currently is used as a storage site for a variety of city functions.
The aging barn building is in need of structural repairs that hover around $10,000.
“I don’t think we want to put $10,000 into a property we want to sell,” CDA Chairman Jeff Knight said. “It sounds like we’re inclined to tear it down, but let’s do our due diligence.”
The CDA directed Executive Director Patrick Cannon to photograph the structure. A decision could be made at the CDA’s next meeting Wednesday, Jan. 28, after reviewing Cannon’s findings.
In other recent business, the Whitewater CDA:
• Voted to change the schedule of their regular monthly meetings. In 2015, the CDA will meet the fourth Wednesday of each month. The CDA had previously met in the middle of each month;
• Discussed efforts to work with the state Department of Workforce Development to create internship and educational opportunities within Whitewater. Tentatively, plans could include partnerships with local businesses and schools;
• Voted to move forward and create a new position within the CDA. Conceptually, the CDA is searching for a professional with a background in business and finance and, potentially, experience in urban planning.
The position would carry an annual salary in the ballpark range of $40,000.
