January 12, 2009
Big Spring Herald
Council to discuss sports complex
The city of Big Spring will look to plug the last utility gaps in the Roy Anderson Sports Complex Tuesday night, as the city council will consider first reading of several matters.
“We’ll be asking the council to approve this easement, which will cinch up the sewage service to the park,” said Assistant City Manager Todd Darden, describing a 20-foot-wide easement that will connect existing city service lines at the Big Spring State Hospital. “We will also be asking for approval of a second easement, approximately 10 feet wide, according to the survey, that will connect the electrical services.”
Darden said the pair of easements should help move the $4.3 million project forward in the coming year.
Construction began in April 2008 and is expected to be completed around September, according to officials with Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, the engineering firm hired to oversee the project, which was approved by voters in 2007.
“The construction won’t take nearly that long, but it’s necessary for us to allow a growin period for the grass on the fields,” Butch Davis, a representative from PSC, told the council in 2008. “The project should come in at budget for $4.32 million.”
The sports complex won’t be the only multimillion dollar project making headway in 2009, as the council is also expected to consider approval of an agreement for sale of property regarding the Hotel Settles project.
“There are three parcels of property — approximately two-anda- half lots — near the hotel the Settles Hotel Development Company is wanting to purchase,” said Darden. “Two of the lots are across the street from the hotel, and the third one is adjacent to it.”
G. Brint Ryan, SHDC manager and Big Spring native, announced plans for a multi-million dollar renovation project in December 2006. According to SHDC officials, the project includes plans for commercial and residential use of the property, with retail space available on the first and second floors. The project’s budget has ballooned from $12 million to $20 million since its inception, with abatement of the structure currently under way.
Darden said SHDC has indicated the properties are expected to be developed as a part of the hotel renovations.
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, the council is to entertain a joint election agreement with Big Spring Independent School District and a presentation of the 2010 Census.
The meeting will get under way at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at 307 E. Fourth St.
About Settles Hotel Development Company, LLC
The SHDC was formed to acquire and restore the historic Settles Hotel property. SHDC is owned by G. Brint Ryan, a native and former resident of Big Spring, Texas, and is managed by Kristopher K. Ryan, General Manager, and a Big Spring, Texas, resident. For more information on SHDC, please visit www.settleshotel.com.
PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lauren Churchin, PGC, Public Relations
Phone: 512.968.5586 /Cell: 512.968.5586
