City approves major redevelopment plan for historic church site

The recent government meeting highlighted the development agreement for the Bell Tower Lofts, a project converting a former Methodist Church into 55 housing units. The project has received nearly $2.5 million from the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Housing Fund to replace homes lost in a previous disaster.

The agreement includes a 10-year tax increment financing (TIF) rebate, capped at $475,000, alongside a 10-year urban revitalization abatement estimated at $290,000. This totals approximately $760,000 in financial incentives for the project.

Parking has been a significant topic of discussion. The project will provide 26 on-site parking spots and an additional 13 spots leased from the nearby Farmer State Bank. The developer is committed to finding more parking options if the lease with the bank ends.

Construction is set to begin with interior demolition currently underway. Site work is expected to start in June 2025, with exterior work planned for spring 2024. The project aims to open by mid-2026.

During the public hearing, Daryl High, a representative for the project, expressed excitement about the community's interest, especially after the recent discovery of a historic bell associated with the church. The bell, weighing 700 pounds, was found buried under layers of flooring and is planned to be displayed in the future art walk.

The council unanimously approved the development agreement, with one member abstaining from the vote. The meeting concluded with a sense of community pride surrounding the project and the bell's historical significance.