Board approves multi‑part boundary amendment to add Harvard parcel, contiguity strips

The board voted July 29 to accept a three‑part boundary amendment that would add a privately owned parcel at 201 Front Street in Harvard, create contiguity strips to correct noncontiguous parcels near Railroad and Taylor streets, and include a small Railroad Street addition. Administrator Mark Pecos described the Harvard parcel as a former police department the petitioner hopes to convert into a community‑oriented venue. He said the project represents about a $300,000 capital investment and would create roughly 5.25 full‑time equivalent jobs. "I believe from the administrative perspective that it's a worthy effort," Pecos told the board.

Debbie Bisha moved to accept the amendment as presented; Larry Smith seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. Pecos said DCEO (Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity) will have up to 90 days to review after municipal ordinances are passed and that the required public hearing will be scheduled in advance of the board's Aug. 19 meeting. Staff will work with each designated unit of government to prepare ordinances and legal descriptions for the amendment process.