A Landfill Land Story

From the archives:

In July 1981, the city passed a resolution declaring its intent to appropriate four acres of land that was part of the Stuckey farm near Nelson Ave. for the purpose of continued operation of the municipal garbage disposal plant.

Subsequent to this declaration of intent to take the property by eminent domain, the city entered into negotiations with the Stuckey family, including Roy Joe, to purchase the entire 125 acre farm.

In August 1983, then city councilman Rodger Borror was one of the primary negotiators for the city. According to information in a Stuckey family letter to Mr. Borror, the city promised to make part of the farm a City park and use another part of the farm for landfill purposes. From the letter;, “In any regard, I wish to pursue the idea that you proposed to Margaret and Roy Joe [Stuckey] of setting aside a substantial portion of the farm for park use bearing the Stuckey name...........June E.Stuckey”

On August 5, 1983 the Stuckey family gives the city an option to purchase the 125 acres for $312,500 and in September of that year the city exercised the option to purchase.

The “contract to purchase” was agreed to in November of 1983 between the city, the buyer, and the Stucheys, the sellers. Included in the contract is the statement., “Park Buyer expresses its intention to use part of the premises for park purposes. Buyer further agrees to associate the Stuckey family name in connection therewith.”

Then Mayor Moyer entered into the agreement. City council then passed an ordinance stating that the city will procure bond financing of $310,00, “for the purpose of paying part of the cost of acquiring real estate for solid waste disposal and park and recreational purposes..........”

In November of 1985 city council passed a Stuckey farm refinancing resolution that included the words,” the purpose is to acquire [continue to pay for] real estate for solid waste disposal, sewage disposal and park and recreational uses....

In the past about 60 acres was being rented for farm use but now sits idle Several thousand dollars per year in cash rent is being left on the table.

Currently less than 60 acres of the 125 is being used for landfill purposes.

Thanks to Laura Curliss for much of this information.

Posted by Paul Hunter contact at paulhunter45177@gmail.com