Prairie Township trustees approved the purchase of a .67 acre parcel of land located at 42 Pasadena Ave., just west of township headquarters, for possible use as a community/senior center.  

Township Administrator Tracy Hatmaker said the owner of the property, the Fergus Company LLC, has offered the property to the township for $100,000.  

“The entire track, which includes that two-thirds of an acre and another portion south of the alley was appraised at sheriff sale (for) just under $500,000,” said Hatmaker. “We have negotiated a possible sales agreement with the Fergus company with the assistance of the prosecuting attorney’s office and it needs their approval at this point.” 

Township trustee Steven Kennedy said the trustees have wanted land for the township for some time.  

“It’s a good buy. We’ve been looking for land and we are lucky to find some that’s right next to here, that is right in the middle of the township,” Kennedy said.  

Hatmaker said the township will assist the Fergus Company in marketing the rest of the land for businesses.  

“It’s a good location and a good investment for the township,” Hatmaker said.

The land purchase is timely as well.  

“We hope it will be a community space that will include a multipurpose room,” said Hatmaker.  

He also noted that the lease on the Prairie Township Senior Center will run out at the 4656 W. Broad Street location in 2011, and there is talk among the trustees of building a new center on the land.   

Kennedy said the trustees hope to have a place for the senior center on the land by that time.  

“We’re going to need community input, though, for what, when and how much,” he said.