MOUNT VERNON — Working with local businessman Mark Ramser, the city will be obtaining the Bonded gas station site at the corner of Sandusky and Chestnut streets and turning it into a parking lot, Mayor Richard Mavis announced Friday.
Ramser’s purchase of the property was reported in real estate transfers this week. He declined to comment on the move, except to say he would let the mayor make any announcement.
In his weekly briefing, Mavis said Ramser negotiated the purchase and will use his crews to tear down the old building. The city will pay Ramser the purchase price, minus whatever he gets for salvage from the building.
The arrangements with Ramser were discussed with city council at an executive session called to discuss property acquisition.
The city has applied to the Community Foundation of Mount Vernon & Knox County for a grant from a fund established to aid economic development. Additional money might come from money freed when extra private donations were received for the bowstring truss bridge renovation project.
Ramser negotiated a $125,000 price for the property. The property will be appraised and if the appraisal results in a value over that amount, Ramser may be entitled to a tax break on the difference.
