The Jefferson city council at its March 25 regular meeting approved paying $5,000 toward a $46,700 study of the feasibility of using the property on which the municipal golf course parking and clubhouse for a “higher end” housing development.
The study will look at the city taking ownership or leasing the Greenewood Center and repurposing the lower level to use as the clubhouse golf course. The upper level would remain the congregate meal site. The study will also look at changes needed to the golf course to accommodate the new clubhouse location; costs to turn the existing clubhouse and parking lot land to housing sites; and the financial feasibility of those changes to the city, the golf course, and Greenewood.
The study will also look at the potential property tax revenue should the changes be implemented. City administrator Scott Peterson said it’s unknown what the housing might be, but suggested it might be similar to the condos on Park Ave South.
Peterson explained the council’s housing committee has focused on workforce housing, but they realized that creating “upscale” housing could ideally appeal to Jefferson residents living in older homes, freeing up their houses as more affordable housing.
Council member Chad Sloan asked if a study has ever been done about “getting rid” of the golf course and putting a large housing development there, saying the city would “lose a sinking ship.”
Peterson said there may have been discussion or conceptual drawings done, but to his knowledge a feasibility study has not been done.
The feasibility study will be completed by Bolton & Menk. Greenewood Homes will pay $5,000 toward the cost, with the remainder coming from Greene County Development Corporation’s special project fund. GCDC anticipates receiving grant funding for $10,000 of its share.
The council approved establishing a 501c3 charitable foundation for the Jefferson public library, a step toward raising funds for a future building project. City attorney David Morain will handle the legal work involved.
The council approved the first reading of an amendment to the city ordinance regarding what species of trees can be planted in the space between sidewalks and streets in residential area. The ordinance relies on the Tree Species Guide provided by Trees Forever.
The list of allowed trees is long, including aspen, beech, birch, American elm, ginkgo, hickory, Kentucky coffeetrees, linden, and many varieties of oak.
Prohibited trees include ash, box elder, Chinese elm, cottonwood, mulberry, silver maple, walnut, willow and fruit trees; all coniferous trees; and shrubbery of any kind.
The council approved the third readings of amendments to ordinances pertaining to the sale and use of fireworks and a reduction in the proposed sewer rate increase. Those ordinances are now in effect.
The council will hold a public hearing Tuesday, April 1, at 5:30 pm on the FY 2025-26 property taxes. A special meeting will follow at 5:45 to set a public hearing on the FYF 2025-26 budget, take care of other issues, and approve routine business like paying bills. The April 8 city council meeting will be cancelled.
