The Worthington Economic Development Authority met Monday and granted a pair of applications for the EDA’s Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program.
Both of the applications were submitted by Juan and Angela Palma. The first was for work at 1444 Oxford St., home to the former Taco John’s building. Work includes painting, signage and removal of the existing sign, and cost estimates came out to $51,216,71. With new drive-thru-signage, which is not addressed in the program guidelines, the total work cost is $40,560.56.
Being that the building is fully equipped to be a restaurant, the property was eligible for a 1:1 match up to $10,000 from the program. The full $10,000 was awarded; it was also confirmed during Monday’s meeting that it’s believed the Palmas intend to rent the building to someone for use as a restaurant.
The other application came for work that includes new siding, signage and removal of an old signpost in the parking lot at 1506 Oxford St., which is home to Tortilleria El Mana. This building is also considered a restaurant, and the full eligible amount of $10,000 from the program was approved.
Additionally, the EDA approved the sale of approximately 15 acres of land in the city’s north industrial park to Duininck Inc. in the amount of $184,000, or $11,500 an acre. The site will be home to a new commercial asphalt plant along with a shop, office, material and equipment storage, and other related items.
City councilman Chris Kielblock cast the lone no vote on the sale, stating that he believed the purchase of the property would be a long-term detriment to the community and counterproductive to the community’s expansion.
After the EDA meeting, the Worthington City Council met and -- following a pair of public hearings in which no testimony was heard from the public -- approved tax abatements for a pair of residential properties.
Both of the projects are on Cecilee Street, and applications for both properties were submitted by Marco Ramos. One abatement was sought and approved for the construction of a single-family home; the other was for building a new two-unit duplex.
Also Monday, a parcel that was formerly part of Vogt Farm that had been completely surrounded by the City of Worthington for many years was approved for annexation. This action required a joint resolution passed by both Worthington Township and the city. The Worthington Township Board passed the joint resolution on Aug. 13.
Among other actions taken by the council were the approval of new airport consultant master agreement between the city and Bolton and Menk, as well as the approval of the second of three required readings of a planned unit development amendment pertaining to the Glenwood Heights Second and Third Additions. The council also heard a presentation from Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center Managing Director Tammy Makram about what’s been taking place at the auditorium and what’s planned for the upcoming year.
City Administrator Steve Robinson also acknowledged a recent employee appreciation luncheon during which city staff were recognized for their years of service. Longevity Awards were given to: 40 Years of Service --Glenn Duitsman; 30 Years -- Tim Gaul; 25 Years -- Aaron Sieve; 20 Years -- Randy Liepold; 15 Years -- Dan Bruns, Shari Droll, Mindy Eggers, Lori Henning, Tom Jones; 10 Years -- Dan Brouillet, Jason Like, Tyler Olson, Brandon Peil, Angela Thiner.
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