At Monday’s re-organization meeting during old business I asked for an update on the Kratzer Farm sale. The Township Manager informed the Board that the subdivision was yet to be filed. After hearing the update I motioned to stop the subdivision process therefore stopping the sale of the house. This is consistent with my position as a candidate and resident over the last year plus.
The original vote to sell the house was far from unanimous passing narrowly 3-2. Two of the primary drivers of the sale Ron Eichenberg and Roger Reis were defeated in the Nov. election. On Monday the motion to stop the sale passed 4-1.
I look forward to putting the fate of the house, barn and driveway back into the hands of our Parks Board, Planning Commission and EAC. All 3 volunteer boards opposed the sale at this time. The 1.5 acres is located in the heart of the park.
My hope is that the house and barn are examined as part of a full comprehensive plan for the 88 acre farm and park. If and when it’s determined that the house should be sold then those funds should be used solely for park improvements. That money should be reinvested into the Kratzer farm/park. It should not be rolled into the general or capital budget. I do not support balancing budgets with the sale of assets. This is not good financial planning as there are no guarantees that certain properties will sell at an appraised value. Counting on money before you have it is bad policy when it can be controlled.