Albion Economic Development Corp. was back in front of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) on Feb. 29 to request sales tax funds for three separate projects totaling $54,855.

Building Improvements

First, AEDC board members requested $11,055 for the recently completed repair and maintenance of their office building on Fourth Street.

Funds will be used to pay the cost of tuck pointing and stucco of the building exterior, as well as installation of a gutter and waste disposal from the project.

CAC voted to recommend approval of this project to the city council.

Portable Stage

A second proposal was for $10,000 a portable stage to be used at The Venue on Fourth Street in support of downtown community events. This allocation does not cover the full $16,176 cost of the 16 x 20 foot portable stage. The remaining cost would need to be covered by patrons or community groups using the facility.

This would be an adjustable aluminum structure that could be arranged in several configurations as needed.

CAC also voted to recommend approval of this request.

Clark Street Property

A third request from AEDC, which drew the most discussion, was a $33,800 allocation for purchase of a 132 x 119 foot lot adjacent to the east side of the Clark Street Park in the northwest portion of Albion.

Jeff Jarecki, AEDC president, said AEDC discussed the option to develop this lot for additional housing, but the board’s priority would be to expand the Clark Street Park, along with new and improved facilities there, to stimulate development.

The current Clark Street Park measures 132 feet x 150 feet, so the additional lot could expand the park’s size by nearly 80 percent.

Jarecki pointed out that development has been lacking in this portion of town, and some proposed park improvements “could spark development there.”

Some of the potential park development projects could include a walking trail, improved play structures and a splash pad, he noted.

“This is a quality of life project,” said Jarecki. “My goal with AEDC is to take on at least one qualify of life project per year.”

Ed Knott, CAC chairman, discussed the various options proposed, noting that some of the proposed park improvements could be made in the current park area, without expansion.

After discussion, the CAC voted to recommend approval of the release of funds for the lot purchase.

All requests will be considered by the Albion City Council at their regular meeting on March 12.