Park City moves forward on $6 million strip mall project. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
The Park City Commission met in a special-called session Monday afternoon, where commissioners briefly entered closed session to discuss a land contract to advance a development near Interstate 65 at 400 Mammoth Cave Ave.
When the commission returned to open session, it was revealed that the contract concerns a $6 million strip mall project first announced in 2024 under then-Mayor Larry Poteet.
Under the agreement, the city will sell the parcel of land for $110,000. As part of the arrangement, the developer has agreed to prioritize hiring local workers and utilizing local contractors throughout construction on the roughly acre-sized plot.
Mayor Donna Scavo said the project will unfold in two phases. The first phase will include the construction of a gas station and a restaurant. A second phase will add additional retail shops to the site, expanding the strip mall’s footprint.
“We are so excited to see some tangible progress for this project,” Scavo said. “Alongside our new signage, development like this will bring in more tourism by promoting Park City, and add a convenient stop for our residents as well.”
Scavo noted that with a few more bureaucratic hoops to jump through, residents can expect to see progress in about three weeks.
The commission also approved the second reading of two ordinances increasing officials’ pay. The office of mayor will now be paid $16,000 annually, and the position of commissioner will now pay $100 per meeting.
Both measures were approved with little discussion.
Three residents attended the special-called meeting with concerns regarding the city’s recent financial setbacks. After it was discovered that funds had been misused or misappropriated under Poteet’s oversight, the city has since been working to set its accounts straight and is currently being audited by Paul Barber with Green River CPA.
“He [Barber] has finished 2024,” said Scavo, “2025 is expected to be done by September.”
As questions surrounding the misuse of funds persisted and questions of prosecution were raised, Scavo stated that the commission was not involved with former Mayor Poteet’s decisions.
“He was doing this behind our back,” she said. “I have spoken to attorneys and we can’t be liable for something that we had no idea about.”
It was also discussed that the city’s general fund was operating in the negative when Scavo took office. She says the account now holds over $100,000 due to her cutting spending throughout the city, as well as renegotiating with commercial entities like the upcoming strip mall.
“Larry [Poteet] was giving that land away for free, as well as a 12 year tax break,” she said. “I made a contract where now we are getting $110,000 for the land and a five-year tax break.”
Scavo noted that, “We can’t fix everything perfectly, but we’re doing pretty good.”
Key Facts
– Park City Commission met in special called session Monday afternoon
– Commissioners approved a land sale for a $6 million strip mall near I-65
– City will sell about an acre at 400 Mammoth Cave Ave. for $110,000
– Developer reportedly will prioritize hiring local workers and contractors
– Project will be built in two phases: gas station and restaurant, then more retail
– Mayor Donna Scavo expects visible progress in about three weeks
– Commission approved higher pay for mayor and commissioners
– Residents questioned leaders over past financial mismanagement and audits
– City is being audited by Green River CPA’s Paul Barber for 2024 and 2025
– Scavo says cost-cutting has moved the general fund from negative to over $100,000
Gage Wilson with Glasgow News 1 contributed to this reporting.
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