Veterans Group, Arnold Clash Over Value of Land for Tribute Park

Supporters of a proposed veterans tribute park are disgruntled over the value of a tract of land they want to buy from Arnold for the project. 

Months ago, the Arnold City Council informally agreed in a work session to donate nearly an acre of land to the Jefferson County Veterans Tribute Committee to be used as part of the proposed park. However, councilmembers later learned that donating the land would be illegal.

Ron Clark, the committee's president, told councilmembers at last week's meeting that he was informed the non-profit group could buy the land from the city for fair market value. He said the group hired an appraiser who assessed the land at $8,000.

However, in 2011 the city appraised the land at $60,000. The undeveloped land is located off Church Road between the Arnold VFW Hall and the former location of Checkered Flag Motors. 

"We're here to ask you to make good on your promise and sell us the land as you said you would for fair market value, and that's $8,000," Clark said to the council. "We would like to buy the land today for that price."

Mayor Ron Counts said the city could not make a decision on the sale at the meeting because of the vast difference in appraisals. He said, "We have to do this fairly and legally. We've been trying to work with you guys."

City Attorney Bob Sweeney said it would be irresponsible for the city to sell an asset worth $60,000 for $8,000. He said each appraisal was done differently, and the city would need to obtain a review appraisal.

Sweeney also noted that the city was working with the group's attorney, who suggested that the city grant a permanent easement to the group. Sweeney said that would also be an option allowing the group access to the property.

Brad Denny, who spoke at the meeting on behalf of veterans, said, "If you want to thank a veteran, let's do this. We need to quit him-hawing around. That rock ditch is not worth $60,000."

Dennis Wooldridge, an Arnold business owner, agreed with Denny and said, "It's disrespectful to fight over money. We're talking about veterans who have fought for our country. Some have even given their lives."

The council is scheduled to discuss the property at a work session on Thursday at 7 p.m.