Greenville delays decision on informational kiosk in downtown

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GREENVILLE — An ordinance approving a variance for an informational kiosk in downtown Greenville hit a roadblock during Greenville City Council’s Tuesday night meeting.

Voting on a motion to suspend reading of the ordinance a second and third time in order to proceed to a final vote, three of seven council members — Clarence Godwin, Doug Schmidt and Tracy Tryon — voted “no.”

The Darke County Visitors Bureau and Main Street Greenville are hoping to erect the informational kiosk outside their headquarters at 421 South Broadway. One of the points of contention in earlier discussions was the bureau’s plan to incorporate advertising on the kiosk. The Visitors Bureau is placing another kiosk in the Village of Versailles, which has agreed to allow advertising.

Matt Staugler, director of the Visitors Bureau, told council, “We are amenable to the city’s wishes to prohibit advertising on this kiosk and that is reflected in the agreement language.”

Other concerns raised included who would be responsible for maintenance of the kiosk and what would happen to the kiosk if the two organizations moved.

The Visitors Bureau would maintain the kiosk and the issue of relocation was addressed in the agreement with the city, according to Staugler.

Staugler told The Daily Advocate, “The [Visitors Bureau] was under the impression that we had addressed the issues that the city had concerns with. It’s our desire to install this kiosk in a timely manner, particularly during this busy summer season, so we can inform visitors on all the things our area has to offer.”

He added, “While we’re disappointed in last night’s vote, we will continue to work with the city on our tourism goals to drive economic development in Greenville and Darke County.”

The measure will be considered again at council’s next meeting June 20.

Council voted unanimously to approve a $100,000 expenditure to help finish construction of the Marling Band Shell in Greenville City Park, based on a recommendation submitted by the city’s Finance Committee.

Initial estimates on the cost of the band shell fell well short of the actual costs of construction, specifically the addition of three restrooms and a security gate for the structure. Organizers hope to have the band shell completed by September.

Safety/Service Director Curt Garrison presented council with a proposal by the Montrose Group to assist the city in establishing Downtown Redevelopment Districts in order to receive state funding for improvements.

“Municipalities, like Greenville, are able to establish these redevelopment districts. They can be 10-acre areas that have to include a historic building or be a portion of a historic district,” he explained.

Garrison provided a map highlighting historical districts or buildings in Greenville.

“It’s very similar to a community reinvestment area in that it involves property tax,” he said, saying a developer can renovate an existing property or build on open property. “With this district, 70 percent of the increase in property tax can come back to the municipality in the form of a TIF (Tax Increment Financing). That money can be used for various purposes.”

Garrison told council the Montrose Group is willing to set up and administer as many districts as the city wishes at a cost of $20,000, clarifying it would be all inclusive, not per district.

Councilman Todd Oliver suggested a council open work session for all members to discuss the proposal. Council agreed to hold the session June 27 at 6 p.m.

Among other business, council approved an ordinance authorizing appropriations in the amount of $12,937 to fund the Ohio Public Works Commission loan for the Ohio/East Main Street project; and an ordinance authorizing the city to request from the Director of Transportation the authority to issue heavy hauling permits to applicants for the operation or movement of heavy hauler vehicles.

Greenville City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Meetings may be viewed online at the City of Greenville Youtube channel.

Greenville City Council was asked to consider contracting with a consultant group to establish redevelopment districts. Shown is a map highlighting current historic buildings and districts in the city.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_Historic-District-Map.jpgGreenville City Council was asked to consider contracting with a consultant group to establish redevelopment districts. Shown is a map highlighting current historic buildings and districts in the city. Courtesy image
Approves $100K for band shell construction

By Erik Martin

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The writer may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com

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