GAINESVILLE — For the second time, the Gainesville City Council delayed a discussion of a resolution that would agree to a lease of four parcels in the Airport Industrial Park.
At its regular meeting Tuesday, the council discussed how the city could reclaim undeveloped portions of the property, which the city has leased to a lumber distribution center since 1973.
The discussion was tabled earlier in the month after Councilman Robert "Bob" Hamrick asked if part of the land, which has not yet been developed, could be reclaimed by the city.
Originally, the city leased the parcels to Builder Marts of America Inc. in September 1973, which was purchased by the Pelican company’s Builderway of Gainesville. Later, the company was purchased by BSL Inc. and is now named Builders FirstSource.
When the company changed hands, the property lease was not renewed under the new company names, said City Attorney James E. "Bubba" Palmour.
City officials became aware of the need to renew the lease when Builders FirstSource applied for a loan and the bank for the lumber distribution company sent the city a lien subordination agreement, said Palmour.Palmour said the legal parameters of the lease do not allow the city to reclaim the land before renewing the lease, but suggested that Gainesville officials wait to vote on the renewal of the lease until they are able to negotiate with the company.
"If you act on (the resolution today), I don’t think you’re going to have any room for negotiation," Palmour said.