'Blight' on agenda for city planning board

The plot of land that Mayor Jeffrey E. Graham graciously referred to in September 2008 as “that piece of blight on a $12 million project,” is on the city Planning Board agenda for Tuesday.

In March 2008, the council agreed to sell 804 State St. to Mark J. Bonner for $35,125, even though another businessman offered to purchase the property for $70,000. The lawmakers justified the decision, saying that Mr. Bonner was the first person interested in the property.

At the time, Mr. Bonner flaunted offers from franchise restaurants to sweeten his purchase offer. The one-story garage that sits on has largely sat vacant since it was purchased.

He has requested the city grant him a special use permit to allow and auto sales and auto detailing business on the property.

“He isn’t proposing too much of a change to the property,” said Kenneth A. Mix, city planning and community development coordinator. “It looks like he’s going to be leasing the property to run the car sales operation then there’s a second company to do the detailing operation.”

Mr. Mix said the property is located within a neighborhood business district, requiring the owner to obtain a special use permit before opening a car sales facility.

The Times will have an update following the meeting concerning the city’s action.

The City Council will need to make any final decisions prior to the owner opening a business.