For $50,000 the Washington County Board of Supervisors purchased property across from the courthouse last year, and it’s been decided it will be used as a grassy space.

At Tuesday’s Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting, Washington County Engineer Jacob Thorius told the board it’d cost about $50,000 to pave the lot at 302 West Main Street, and a gravel lot is not allowed per city zoning. He added a parking lot would create 15 to 20 stalls. He said, “In my opinion, that’s pretty expensive for some parking, especially when I think you gentlemen aren’t totally certain what you want in the long-range with that lot over there. I know, there’s been talk that if any more additional lots can be acquired some sort of administration building or something would be built. And I know that’s a real high, lofty goal, but I think with some uncertainty of what you want to do and with a variety of other necessary, depends on who you talk to, I guess, necessary work that needs to be done to other buildings, I would recommend you just turn it into a grassy area and maybe put a picnic table or something over there.”

He said the sidewalks will need to be addressed, as one was removed during demolition and the other was damaged. The two story house was demolished for $16,250. The supervisors unanimously approved seeding the lot and may consider adding a fence in the future.