Board of Aldermen recap: Plans for Nichols Building taking shape

     The Board of Aldermen met May 9th, approving a series of resolutions and ordinances, including the first reading of an ordinance to sell the former Nichols building.
     The first order of business was to administer the oath of office for Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) K9 Officer Dozier. Dozier's duties include interacting with those in crisis and providing a calm presence for law enforcement officers. 
     The Board approved a resolution to continue its agreement with the Grain Valley Partnership for another three-year term. The agreement outlines the relationship between the City and the organization and their partnership in economic development efforts. The Board also approved a resolution to continue an agreement with Utility Service Company, Inc. to provide maintenance for City owned water tanks and towers.
     The Board approved the first reading of an ordinance which would authorize the sale of the former Nichols building to Scottish Investments at a sales price of $222,225. In their RFP, the development team of Nilesh Patel of The Patel Group Real Estate Services LLC and Jason Fenstermaker of Iron Kettle Brewing, outline a plan which they state has a goal of fostering "a spirit of community while giving back to organizations that are vital to Grain Valley".
     The plan allows the Grain Valley Assistance Council to maintain their current space at 513 Gregg for the next 15 years, and mentions the possibility of partnering with the school district on a retail outlet owned and operated by Grain Valley High School in the remainder of the building. Additional uses for the space could include space for nonprofit organizations or office space to be used as an incubator for small business start-ups.
     The space at 517 Gregg Street would be transformed into a facility for craft beer production and entertainment space, with an outdoor patio area to the east of the building. 
     The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be Monday, May 23rd at 7:00pm at City Hall.