EATON — Following an executive session during its Monday, Aug. 21, regular meeting, Eaton City Council approved an ordinance regarding the purchase of over 38 acres of land off Park Avenue.
“We currently have an opportunity of purchasing land that sits between the Waterworks Park and Seven Mile Park,” City Manager Brad Collins told council following the executive session. “We feel this could make some nice open green space area in the future. Of course, that’d be discussed and planned in detail later. We currently have ARPA funds available which could be used towards this purchase. The owners are currently interested in selling this property to the city.”
The ordinance was passed as an emergency, allowing for a single reading, “to preclude the sale of the property to another party,” the measure noted. It outlined the agreement would be for “the purchase of one parcel, 38.52 acres, Part Outlot 91, 0 Park Ave, Eaton, for the total purchase amount of $323,568.”
The agreement was not passed unanimously, however. Mayor Joe Renner voiced the sole “no” vote both on the single reading as an emergency, and for the ordinance itself. (Councilmen Brad Moore, Chris Carr and Matt Venable, as well as Vice Mayor David Kirsch all voiced “yes” votes.)
During discussion prior to the vote, Renner explained his negative votes. “I think I’ll be in the minority at the end of this,” he said. “But nonetheless, I just don’t know if this is the time to just spend this kind of money on land like this. As I’ve said earlier, I think every piece of land we’ve purchased since I’ve been here is where there’s a specific purpose. While there may be some talk of park land there, it’s not very specific at this point. I think if it is developed into some kind of recreational facility, it puts an undue burden on traffic on Park Avenue, which is not easily fixed.
“And to renew something I said when this was first discussed last month, that our population in the city hasn’t really increased,” he continued. “Several years ago, we had a study of users of our athletic fields, and I think it was in the 70s percent that you know, were not Eaton residents as members of these athletic teams. So at what point do the citizens of Eaton have to fund fields and personnel to keep the fields and everything else for people that aren’t residing in Eaton? I feel like I’m elected represent Eaton. And not everyone who wants to come from three counties around or whatever. There’s positive things about all that. But I’m just not sold on the idea,” Renner concluded.
“To a counterpoint on that,” Carr said, “We recently had our parks survey, and also our comprehensive plan updated. And we did have a lot of indicators of pride from our citizens in our green spaces. And, you know, that’s only one potential use for the property in question. But it’s a great opportunity, considering the location between two of our existing parks. And so given the comprehensive plan and the survey that we’ve done, I think it gets a good move.”
“As a proud resident of the city of Eaton I take great pride in other people from other communities wanting to come here and enjoy our facilities, our restaurants, or businesses, whether it be athletic facilities or anything else,” Moore added.
“And I think that says a lot about the people that do live here and take pride in it. I just don’t agree with the ideology of ‘it’s ours, we’re just worrying about us and forget everybody else,’” Moore said. “I don’t subscribe to that. I think the more people that come here and enjoy this wonderful city, the better.”
Venable agreed with the purchase as well. “I just want to say that, again, this the money to purchase property is from ARPA funds that are federal funds,” he said. “How much money has been sent to Columbus and D.C. from our citizens every year? We have to fight to get that money back. I think this is a good reason why we use these funds for this purchase. And we’re getting this money back for an investment in our parks in our city. So you look at it that way, I think it’s a great idea.”
“I’d just like to say I concur on both sides,” Kirsch added. “I understand what you’re saying Joe, understanding what my council members are saying as well. It’s not to come out of our general fund. It will be coming through the ARPA funds to be able to fund this initiative.”
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.
