Town to sell original town hall lot

(7/15) At its July 12 meeting, the Woodsboro Town Council approved putting the former potential town hall lot on the market.

The 503 South Main Street location was the original lot the council had their eyes on for the development of the first Woodsboro town hall building.

The town‘s realtor estimated the 7,900 square foot lot will go for approximately $148,000, according to Burgess Heath Barnes. The town originally brought the property for $90,000 in 2018.

After real estate fees and closing costs, the town looks to bring in approximately $137,000 which Barnes estimated will make a nice down payment on the loan for the current town office.

Already at least three developers have been chomping at the bit, expressing interest in the property and Barnes noted the town has the potential to receive higher than asking price bids.

While the original lot turned out to not be large enough for the fit of the anticipated town hall structure, it is still considered "prime real estate" on Main Street, Barnes said.

Extensive discussion was held with town officials as well as the project engineer, architect, and the County of Frederick for an updated town hall location. Following the development of funding requests, the town began researching other options and the owner of the JR Sports Bar and Restaurant, at 605 South Main Street, expressed interest in selling the lot.

The town council jumped at the chance to purchase the new lot, which was almost double the size of the original proposed town hall lot location. The new location also helped eliminate code issues about being too close to adjacent property.

At the end of April, the town signed a contract to purchase the property and signed a loan agreement with Woodsboro Bank.

A demolition bid of the former bar and restaurant was approved for JCR General Contractors Incorporated in the amount of $16,500. The project includes removal of all concrete slabs with the asphalt to remain, capping of sewer lines, removal of curb stops, and removal of the building foundation, and backfill to grade.