By Paula Mabry
History was an important element in July in the public’s positive response to the plan for the City of Silverton to purchase the Eugene Field School site from the Silver Falls School District for $1 million.
Generations of schoolchildren attended the 96-year-old North Water Street facility, and despite wear and tear and the changes that come with age, the idea that it might possibly continue in public use as the new police station and eventual civic center struck a responsive chord.
Now history is playing another important role. This time one that is not so happy.
In the preliminary title report on the property a 1936 easement – not identified as for whom or for what – is gumming up the works.
The report is one of several steps in the city’s due diligence procedure before making a final decision on the purchase.
Because the nature and scope of the easement can’t be identified by the title company – and the city needs to know in order to be sure it can build there if necessary – the 81-year-old easement has become an “unacceptable exception” in the report. It has led to an extension of the due diligence period to Oct. 5.
According to Silverton City Manager Christy Wurster, city staff believes it could be a sewer easement for property across First Street that was previously sold. A survey might be able to resolve the issue, but could take up to two months to schedule and cost $10,000. That leads to the question who should pay for it? It may be a point of future negotiation.
Meanwhile, Mayor Kyle Palmer notes the “Phase 2” assessment of the property is on-going.
