Vote on City Move Delayed
By: Nadia Bashir
Updated: August 18, 2009
Fort Waynes Common Council voted to delay the vote on funding for 200 E. Berre Street until after a public hearing next Tuesday. The delay comes on the heels of more uncertainty between the City and Allen County Commissioners over the details and logistics of a move.
City Controller Pat Roller made a presentation before committee tonight. Council members expressed concerns over many issues including whether enough formal public input had been received on the proposed move.
The City must make a decision on whether to buy 200 E. Berre Street by the end of this month (August). Council President Tom Smith told Fox Fort Wayne News he did not understand why the sellers would not extend the deadline two to three weeks. "I dont buy it," Smith said. Smith pointed out it was unlikely the building would go anywhere in the immediate future.
Others, like Councilman Tim Pape expressed support for Mayor Tom Henrys proposal saying it was a great step forward for the community. "This is the right building for the community to own," Pape said.
Both the committee vote and the general session vote will take place next Tuesday, after a public hearing. That will allow Council to make a decision before the August 31st deadline.
