City sets meeting with N. Chancery property owners
Property owners along N. Chancery Street have been invited by letter to attend a meeting to discuss their financial role when it comes to improving the street. The meeting will be held at the Blue Building at 5:30 p.m. on April 3.
On March 10, McMinnville officials began considering a measure that would widen the two-lane portion of N. Chancery under a state provision called ‘improvements by special assessment.’ The law allows the city to become partners with street residents to fix the street and hold them accountable for two-thirds the cost of construction.
Last year, the project estimate was $1.9 million. Calculations by one alderman estimated such a project could cost N. Chancery Street property owners between $9,000 and $10,000 for every 100 feet of property owned along the street.
According to the invitation written by city administrator David Rutherford and dated March 25, discussion of this project began in 1996. Since that time, funding has always been an issue.
The letter says city officials have ‘floated the idea of partnering with property owners to fund approximately $900,000 of the total cost.’
At this time, the only new street construction or widening currently in city planning is the completion of phase II of the Downtown Economic Revitalization Project. Funding for this project comes from Department of Transportation grant money. If property owners are willing to participate in funding, the project will move up the list of capital improvements by the city.
The letter states, ‘Numerous lots along the street are for sale and have been zoned commercial. Some property owners obviously think the street will be developed as a commercial center.’
Although the idea of a partnership is a new one, the letter reminds property owners that the project idea isn’t new. During a city planning conference last fall, several potentials projects were discussed. The widening of N. Chancery Street was included.
However, the letter states, ‘The North Chancery Street project will have to have the support of the majority of property owners to move forward.’
The letter ends by reminding N. Chancery Street residents that a partnership will expedite street improvements.
‘The city looks forward to discussing ways to improve this street and improve your property values. Please remember for this project to move forward in a timely manner a partnership will have to occur.’