[FEB. 15, 2006]
City officials heard details of an opportunity
that will soon come about. Owners of property across the street from
Postville Courthouse are interested in selling. Jonie Tibbs,
chairman of the Grounds, Buildings and Local Improvements Committee,
said that she has received information from Kevin and Sondra Lessen
that they would like to sell the property that extends from 903 to
911 Fifth St.
The property now constitutes a set of older apartments that appear
to be occupied. These would be torn down to create a parking area.
The owners are asking $90,000 for the property.
During committee discussions it was recognized that this would:
Be an opportunity to gain needed parking for a significant
historical site in Lincoln. Postville Courthouse is where young
lawyer Abraham Lincoln practiced law. Across the street, in
front of the VFW, is the Deskins Tavern well, where Lincoln is
said to have drawn water for refreshment.
Purchasing the property would give the city control that
would prevent any undesired commercial development from building
something that might take away from the historic area.
While the city is still on a tightly confined budget that limits
spending for several years yet, Buzz Busby suggested to Tibbs that
it wouldn’t be hurting anybody to go ahead and look for possible
grants through the state.
It was decided to continue looking for a potential means of
purchasing the property. Tibbs agreed to check with the Abraham
Lincoln Tourism Bureau and the Lincoln & Logan County Development
Partnership about possible involvement. It was also suggested that
the VFW might have interest in joining in for extra parking.
