CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Montgomery County Commissioners voted Monday to purchase the former Bank of America property in downtown Clarksville as a site for a proposed civic plaza. Along with the bank building the property also includes the Regions Bank parking lot and Better Business Bureau Building.
The vote was 14 to 7 with the estimated price to purchase, demolish, design and prepare the site at $2.5. The County Commission also approved entering into an interlocal agreement with the City of Clarksville to buy the property bordered by Legion and Main Streets and 2nd and 3rd Streets.
The action by the County Commission follows the September 3 passage by the Clarksville City Council to enter into an agreement with Montgomery County and to contribute $1 million to be used by the county to buy the property.
Last week’s vote on the ordinance for the civic plaza by the City Council was on first reading and it is expected to go before the council for a vote on second reading at the next regular session of the Clarksville City Council October 1.
A $9 million capital projects bond issue, including the $2.5 million for the civic plaza was also passed by the County Commission. Even though there has been opposition to the civic plaza by some county and city officials, it is believed by many the project will go a long way to help revitalize downtown.