Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
Marion County has purchased seven acres of undeveloped land in the city limits of Gates with an eye for future development potential rather than a specific project.
On Nov. 29, the Board of County Commissioners voted to execute a purchase agreement for the vacant land on W Central Street between Garden Lane and Fir Street SE.
The property was listed for sale in July by Mosar Commercial Properties for $380,000 and advertised as a residential lot with nearby access to restaurants, an RV park and City Hall.
In August commissioners agreed to offer the asking price and the offer was accepted, and escrow closed Nov. 15.
The land was purchased from the Estate of Herman Leroy Grafe, and the Willis R. Grafe and Beverly Ann Grafe Joint Revocable Living Trust.
Marion County Director of Business Services Tamra Goettsch said the county’s goal was not a specific development but rather the desire to not “miss out on a future opportunity.”
Goettsch told The Canyon Weekly the county will work with city leaders to identify what projects would be suitable for the property and for local residents. “We’d be working with the City of Gates to make sure that (future development) aligns with the needs of their community.”
