Group discusses properties

The Carriage Town Historic Neighborhood Association Oct. 29 discussed the Jackson-Hardy house, Spencer - Mortuary, the size of the Carriage Town board of directors and property at Second Avenue and Martin Luther King Avenue.

Renovations to the Jackson-Hardy house, 525 Garland St., are waiting for the release of additional grant money. The grant is for $190,000. President Tim Monahan hopes work will continue in the spring.

The association acquired the property that housed Spencer - Mortuary and the two houses behind. Community Now, an extension of the Creative Alliance, has been improving the property and the association has agreed to support their efforts.

As owners, Monahan said, the association needs to submit the property for Renaissance Zone status to lower taxes.

The board of directors voted to leave the board at nine members instead of seven although it was concerned a lack of participation could leave the board ineffective.

Residents said that the property at Second Avenue and Martin Luther King Avenue was not well advertised when listed for sale. The agreement was to list the property for 45 days. Gary Hartley - was the only offer on the property at $4,000. Some members expressed concerns about the condition of Hartley - existing properties.

James Crowley presented a plan to build four townhouses on the property of two and three stories and priced between $90,000 and $190,000. Cowley said that the two largest townhouses had committed buyers.

The group decided that the 45-day period had elapsed and the property would be sold to Hartley.

The next meeting and elections will be held Jan. 21. Check www.CTHNA.org or call 767-3513 for more information.