Townsite resident Stephen Miller has asked City of Powell River whether its Townsite lands are for sale. He was told they are not currently available for purchase.
In a letter to the city’s committee of the whole, reviewed at its meeting on Tuesday, April 2, Miller said his interest is directly related to coming forward as a potential buyer of any of the lands.
“I understand that the 10-acre piece on Marine [Avenue] has a contract with Sino Bright at a price of $300,000 with conditions,” stated Miller in his letter. “I also understand that Sino Bright has elected to pull out of the deal.
“If that is the case then I would like to be informed of its current status and if the city is still planning on selling this piece. If so, then I would like to put in a bid in excess of the contract price you had with Sino Bright.”
Miller asked in his letter if any of the lands are being contemplated for sale. He also asked what the process is for the sale of any of the lands.
Miller said he wondered whether a potential sale of any of the lands will be advertised to all potential buyers, and whether there would be a professional accredited and independent appraisal done of any lands being contemplated for sale.
Mayor Dave Formosa suggested committee of the whole note and file the letter. Formosa said director of economic development and communications Scott Randolph has contacted Miller directly to let him know the lands are not available at this time.
In an interview, Randolph said the city, as per a report he tabled on October 2, 2018, and at the recommendation of the Powell River Waterfront Development Corporation board, has undertaken a review of the corporation’s mandate and structure, and while that review is being conducted, the lands will not be offered for sale to anybody.
In an interview, Miller said the offer for the land was coming from him as an individual, and not from a group of potential investors. He said his purpose would be to develop the land into something that would fit in with the community’s wishes and something that would fit in with the environment.
Miller said once the review has been conducted, and if the property is again for sale, he would consider putting in an offer on the property.
“My wishes would be to develop the land in a way that would enhance Townsite,” said Miller, “and would increase the desirability of people wanting to be part of Townsite and its future growth.”
