Newberry CRA authorizes joint purchase of house north of City Hall, appraised at $275,000

The City of Newberry Community Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously on Feb. 9 to authorize staff to proceed with documents to purchase a house located just north of City Hall, a parcel staff says sits on two lots and is appraised at $275,000.

City Manager Marlo presented the proposal and said staff view the property as valuable for downtown parking and operational needs, noting that staff offices are crowded and the parcel offers options for future choices by the commission. Marlo said, "That property actually sits on 2 lots," and that the owner is willing to sell to the City of Newberry for the appraised price of $275,000.

Marlo clarified the purchase is a joint transaction between the City and the CRA and that the recommended motion to authorize the city manager to execute the agreements will appear at the next city commission meeting. Board members discussed other downtown parking options; Marlo said the Tate property across from the house is not for sale (the owners are willing to lease) and noted that paving alternatives can be expensive — staff previously estimated paving a church parking lot would cost roughly $230,000 and would require retention-basin work.

The property owner requested to remain in the house through his son’s graduation; Marlo said staff agreed that physical work would likely not begin until summertime. A motion to authorize staff to move forward with purchase documents was made and seconded, and the CRA voted unanimous to approve.