BERLIN – Town officials announced ambitious plans Monday to purchase the former Tyson plant property, long considered a blight in Berlin, for $2.75 million.
“Our goal is to turn a liability and an eyesore into another jewel in our community,” Mayor Gee Williams said. “This has real potential.”
The 60-acre property, located on Old Ocean City Boulevard, has been vacant since 2004. Town officials hope to purchase the land from Berlin Properties North and turn it into some sort of public park.
“It’s an eyesore and a leftover from another time and one of the few places in Berlin people don’t look on with pride,” Williams said.
The purchasing process will begin with a six-month study period, during which the town will have the property appraised, an environmental study conducted and a feasibility study performed. If necessary, the study period can be extended three months. Williams added that there were provisions that would allow either party to withdraw from the contract if the need arose.
Williams said buying the land was something the council had discussed for some time. Berlin Properties North approached the town about the property this fall. Williams said officials did not even respond to the inquiry until they had consulted the town’s ethics commission, as Councilman Troy Purnell is one of the owners of Berlin Properties North.
The commission advised the town’s leaders not to negotiate with Purnell or his father, George, also an owner, but rather the half of the partnership made up of Charles and Ray Nichols.
According to Williams, Purnell, who recused himself during the discussion of the property Monday, was not involved in any deliberations regarding the purchase and will not be involved in any in the future. He said that while councilmembers would not be talking to Purnell about the pending purchase, citizens were welcome to speak to him.
Several council members expressed excitement at the possibility of buying the property.
“We’re fortunate we have the opportunity to even consider making a land purchase of that size,” Councilmember Lisa Hall said.
If the town goes through with buying the land it will be financed through the bond market, Williams said. Some portion of the casino revenue the municipality receives would be used to pay it off, he added.
Councilman Elroy Brittingham pointed out that if the town bought the industrial property it would ensure that it was put to good use.
“As long as we purchase this property, we can control it,” Brittingham said.
Williams said that although the town’s strategic planning process had not yet begun, numerous citizens had already expressed an interest in seeing the former Tyson plant turned into a recreation facility. Residents have suggested using the land for hiking, biking, skateboarding and even as a venue to host large events.
“I’ve been so inundated with suggestions specific to this property and they’ve intensified tenfold this past year,” Williams said.
The mayor said he hoped to continue to hear from residents during the strategic planning process, which will begin in 2015.
“The strategic planning process will help give us guidance,” he said.
Hall agreed.
“We want your input and not just in the grocery store,” she said.
She said if residents were concerned about the purchase they had six months to let officials know.
“We need to hear from folks,” she said.
Resident Lisa Cherivtch, one of the many people behind the effort to bring a skate park to Berlin, said she was thrilled to learn of the town’s plan to buy the Tyson plant. Many have suggested that it would be the ideal location for a skate park.
“I’m very excited,” she said.
Williams said officials made a point to announce plans for the sale this week, in spite of the holidays, so people could begin mulling the idea over as soon as possible.
“This is not theoretical,” he said. “We’re serious. It’s time to get to the nitty-gritty and find out if you want us to proceed.”
Williams, who lives down the street from the property, said he particularly wanted to see the industrial site cleaned up.
“I hope everything works out so we can turn something that’s served as a detriment to the quality of life of the townspeople of Berlin into something really special,” he said. “It’s an exciting time.”