The vote is unanimous...the Ottumwa City Council approved a measure to begin the process of selling Sycamore Park.
OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Ottumwa City Council voted 5-0 to send a letter of interest to the Lynn Group out of Orlando, Florida. The company expressed interest in developing Sycamore Park into an entertainment district.
City Administrator Joe Helfenberger stated that this complex would be constructed at the same time as the casino to create a combined 1,400 jobs and an increased tax base for the city. Total cost for this entertainment district and the casino: $272 million.
"But I'm confident that working through the process we can come up, with the Park Board's help, and create park land of greater importance to the city," Administrator Helfenberger said.
"That's a lot of money that somebody is looking to invest in our community. Whether you're for a casino or not, this type of family entertainment area is huge and is something that is desperately needed in this area, along with jobs and the tax base," said Councilman Jeremy Weller.
"Few times has this type of opportunity come knocking on the door of a community like Ottumwa, the size of Ottumwa and with the need of Ottumwa. This is a wonderful, wonderful opportunity," said Councilman Keith Caviness.
Councilmen Brian Morgan and Bob Meyers asked the City Administrator about who would approve this project, should it get underway. Some people had previously expressed concern about the legality of sale, considering federal dollars created Sycamore Park.
Helfenberger stated that the Park Board would help to identify other property in the area with higher value. At that point, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources would help to ensure that the paperwork was in order for the conversion of parkland. Approval would also be necessary from the U.S. Department of the Interior.
There was no comment from the public at the City Council Meeting regarding this proposal.
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