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Inflation is starting to delay construction projects in the area. Hancock City Council altered the purchase agreement for 201 E. Franklin St., the former site of Neil’s Taxi Service, at Wednesday’s meeting. Developer Andrew Lahti bought the lot earlier this year and had originally hoped to have a rental property finished possibly by fall. Given the high materials costs though, he asked to change the language to “Buyer shall commence construction” from “Buyer shall complete construction” within one year.
Members were uncomfortable with the change, because they felt it could be abused. Several expressed the opinion that they were not equipped to enforce whether construction had truly begun or not. John Haeussler said he wanted to still have a deadline in the agreement.
Work must now be done by August 31, 2022.
Member Whitney Warstler let council know she would not be attending in person Wednesday morning due to waking up with a sore throat and a fever. She was not allowed to participate remotely, because the language approved last meeting states that notice has to be given 18 hours prior to the start time. That led to discussion from the council about amending the window to opt for virtual attendance.
None of the votes were close, but if they had been Mayor Paul LaBine and the other council members agreed at the start of the meeting to table them until all seven members could weigh in.
