New development could be approved early next year as the City of Blair sells land near the new Dollar General distribution center.
During its regular Nov. 23 meeting, the Blair City Council approved a notice of sale for the land just west of 10th Street. Seven of the eight lots are just over 1 acre in size. Lot 8 is approximately 0.65 acres. Three outlots are also included in the sale. However, those are unbuildable as they include the creek and wooded area.
The notice for sale allows the Blair City Council to review and make recommendations on proposals, accepting or rejecting any based on what's best for the city.
That means the city could accept a lesser offer if it would mean the business would create jobs, sales tax revenue and property taxes.
“Those proposals that might be in the best interest of the city that may not be the highest dollar up front Day 1, but over the long run could provide jobs, could provide additional revenue for the city,” City Administrator Rod Storm said.
The property along that subdivision is zoned agricultural/light industrial and manufacturing, which allows for a number of types of businesses, including automobile service stations, printing and publishing, truck/freight terminals, utility substations, lumber yards, contractor yards and row crows.
This decision certainly puts the city in a unique situation. How often do city officials get to control the purchase and future development of property?
This is an exciting time for Blair as development begins to take shape while the new distribution center is under construction. Every community wants to grow, but being able to control what comes into the city and decide if this is what's best for Blair is a great opportunity.
