By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle's new city council has made swift work of an old problem.
The council reversed the decision of the former administration and agreed to purchase land and property owned by Bobby and Kathi Jenkins.
The council agreed to spend $86,000 for the 1.1 acres of land and a house at 621 Groover Road.
The Jenkins' property sits in the middle of Sparkman Park and the city has applied for a grant to build soccer fields in the area. The former council, however, balked at purchasing the land, saying it was too expensive.
Mayor Dwight Tankersley said not purchasing the land was putting the city at risk of losing the grant.
"After I met with the Jenkins' family, I received a letter from our Park and Recreation director that said the grant money is in jeopardy," Tankersley said. "And, if we ended up in court with them (the Jenkinses), we would probably lose."
The city is spending $86,000 instead of $89,500 the Jenkins' had asked for in exchange for allowing the family to stay at the house for six months. The Jenkins will also be allowed to take an outbuilding with them when they leave.
The purchase of the land gives the city unobstructed frontage along Groover Road.