Pontiac steps forward in creating venue overlooking Vermillion River

Erich Murphy, Pontiac Daily Leader

The City of Pontiac has purchased another piece of property in its efforts to help beautify the community.

The latest purchase was at 210 S. Mill St. This was approved after the city council came out of executive session at Monday’s regular meeting.

The City of Pontiac purchased the property at 210 S. Mill St. at its meeting on Monday. This completes the acquisition of land along the Vermillion River, which the city plans to turn into a park over looking the river. The city also intends to put in a walkway along the river starting here and ending at Play Park.
The City of Pontiac purchased the property at 210 S. Mill St. at its meeting on Monday. This completes the acquisition of land along the Vermillion River, which the city plans to turn into a park over looking the river. The city also intends to put in a walkway along the river starting here and ending at Play Park.

City Administrator Jim Woolford said the purchase price was $30,000 and completes the acquisition of land at the Vermillion River. All the city is waiting on is the return of the contract from the seller, Woolford said.

What will the city be doing with the property?

Unlike some parcels of land, the city has purchased in the past, this piece of land completes an area along the south side of the Vermillion River and will allow the city to create an overlooking venue of the river. The property at 206 S. Mill St. is already owned by the city, as is property to the east of these plots. The houses at 206 and 210 S. Mill will be demolished, Woolford said.

The City of Pontiac purchased the property at 210 S. Mill St. at its meeting on Monday. This is a view of the lot from the back of the house, which will eventually be demolished.
The City of Pontiac purchased the property at 210 S. Mill St. at its meeting on Monday. This is a view of the lot from the back of the house, which will eventually be demolished.

Woolford said that, ideally, a walkway will be constructed from Mill Street east to Play Park. This will basically be a river walk and, likely, a bike path that will allow for movement along the river without involving Plum Street too much, if at all. The newly acquired land will be a park of sorts with benches that overlook the river, Woolford said.

The purchase of this property is one of about half a dozen acquisitions in the last few years. Not all of the acquired properties have been purchased, at least one was deeded to the city.

This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Pontiac looks to create river overlook with newly acquired property

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