CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The much talked about Bank of America property in downtown Clarksville could be a step closer on its way to being a proposed civic square plaza. An ordinance authorizing an agreement with Montgomery County has been passed by the Clarksville City Council.
The property in question is the former Bank of America downtown location along with the Regions Bank parking lot and Better Business Bureau building. Both the City Council and Montgomery County Commission voted to postpone taking action on the property at their August meetings.
The ordinance, which passed the council by a vote of 8-3 on first reading, was proposed by Councilman Joel Wallace who said, “Well I thought that we really had an opportunity to do a lot to try to further our downtown and further efforts there as really part of a team effort.”
The ordinance says the City of Clarksville will contribute $1 million to be used by Montgomery County to buy the property. The Montgomery County Commission will discuss a resolution to purchase the property at their September 8 session and are expected to vote on buying the property at their September 14 meeting.
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Both city and county officials, business leaders and the public have expressed their thoughts on a possible use of the property. A park, a new location for the Downtown Market, as well as residential, office and retail space are some of the ideas which could help bring development to downtown.
The proposed purchase of the property is not without its opponents. Some members of the County Commission and City Council have said they would like to see a plan for the property in place before it is bought and some citizens say the money could be used for other needed community projects.