Update: 9 p.m.
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington told WIZS News that the resolutions covered below “both passed unanimously.” Furthermore, he said, “The Department of Transportation came up with another $100,000 on the project.” He said he received the call today.
These two resolutions considered at Monday night’s meeting protect the historical aspects of the old First National Bank Building downtown and clear the way for a Beckford Drive widening project.
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In the agenda packet for the Henderson City Council meeting for 1-8-18, among other items, is consideration of a resolution for a First National Bank Building preservation easement downtown and the consideration of a resolution to amend the budget for a Beckford Drive widening project.
Several potential buyers had expressed an interest in purchasing the old First National Bank Building, but the offers were low.
City Manager Frank Frazier said, “Our land planning committee met and asked the staff to draw up some covenants to protect the integrity of that building. We wanted to make sure whatever was done, particularly with the outside of the building, to make sure that’s kept in tact and so forth.”
The City would love to see it restored and in private hands but also wants some guidelines to protect the historical nature of the building.
A City Council Action Form, which is also part of the agenda packet, said, “The City-owned First National Bank building is one of the most important structures in the City’s historical downtown district, which was established in 1987. Staff recommends that the building’s unique character be protected through restrictions placed in any deed used to transfer ownership.”
As to the matter of widening Beckford Drive, the portion up for consideration is from the front of the City Operations Center down to the next intersection near the Universal Commerce Center and the Social Security Administration office.
Frazier said, “It’s to widen from two lanes to three lanes to get a turn lane in there plus a sidewalk if funds are available. We got the money years ago through Congress really with a re-authorization bill. We’ve been working for years getting rights of way…We’re getting close to being able to go out to bid on the project.”
