Planning Commission signs off on demo, transfer

With approval by the Fulton Planning Commission to divide a parcel of property on Walnut Street, Fulton City Manager Mike Gunn hopes to expedite the demolition of the triangular brick structure on site, making way for an new addition to the downtown Lake Street area.

During Special Called Session of the Planning Commission Jan. 9, board members David Ware, Gary Fulcher, Debbie Jerman, George Garmon II, Casey Browning and Mallory Bradley approved the Minor Subdivision Plat for the City of Fulton at 300 Walnut St., currently owned by Don Michael Homra.

As Gunn explained to the board, the plat will be divided into a lot no. 1, 3,119 square feet, and a lot no. 2, 3,070 square feet. The brick structure on lot no. 1 will be demolished, with the city sharing the cost of demolition with Homra, Homra retaining lot no. 2, and then Homra transferring lot no. 1 to the city. Gunn said demolition estimates are approximately $10,000.

Only the structure on lot no. 1 is to be demolished, Gunn said, with the brick structure on lot no. 2 currently housing Stonelang, to remain in tact.

At the present time, Gunn said he is waiting on a deed to be completed by the City Attorney, to transfer the property from Homra to the city and at that time, he will bring the deed before the Fulton City Commission for their review and approval.

He reported to the board there were a number of options for use of the area by the city, once the demolition takes place, which could include additional parking for the downtown area and proposed “Village” specialty shopping area, or a Farmers Market type pavilion for the sale of produce.

The only other item on the special called session’s agenda was the re-establishment of the board’s regular monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.

Code Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector Nathan Lamb updated the board on the need to review, revise and update current city ordinances, many of which were outdated. Gunn also reported the city is due, once again, to develop a Comprehensive Plan, an effort mandated every five years.

One vacancy remains on the board, as the seat previously held by Adam Hamrick was vacated, following his relocation outside the city.