MONROE - The lot at the corner of 17th Avenue and 11th Street, where the "Garden of Eatin'" and the city's calendar of events sit, is for sale and the non-profit Monroe Main Street wants to get it.
After all, not only have the property owners allowed the organization to use it for a variety of promotional themes, but Main Street Monroe has for several years dutifully seen to its upkeep.
Now, the organization must figure out a way to get the money. The lot, which is 4,100 square feet, is listed through Realtor Steve Hedeman for $123,000.
"We've been fortunate to have an agreement with the owners (Pat and Linda Beckman of Freeport) to use it and we'd hate to lose it," said Jordan Nordby, Monroe Main Street's director. "It would be ideal if we could acquire it, but as a non-profit we're not in the position to buy properties. It would have to be something behind the scenes, such as finding a donor."
Nordby said Hedeman approached his organization recently and some preliminary talks are under way.
"The city and the mayor have also voiced their support," said Nordby, whose organization's funding comes in part from taxpayer dollars.
Hedeman said he could see the lot "going for as little as $80,000."
The Beckmans, who own Cannova's Italian Cuisine in Freeport, bought the lot in hopes of establishing another Cannova's entity on the Square.
"That's not on the horizon anymore," Hedeman said of the plan.
The Beckmans did not return a phone call seeking comment.
After all, not only have the property owners allowed the organization to use it for a variety of promotional themes, but Main Street Monroe has for several years dutifully seen to its upkeep.
Now, the organization must figure out a way to get the money. The lot, which is 4,100 square feet, is listed through Realtor Steve Hedeman for $123,000.
"We've been fortunate to have an agreement with the owners (Pat and Linda Beckman of Freeport) to use it and we'd hate to lose it," said Jordan Nordby, Monroe Main Street's director. "It would be ideal if we could acquire it, but as a non-profit we're not in the position to buy properties. It would have to be something behind the scenes, such as finding a donor."
Nordby said Hedeman approached his organization recently and some preliminary talks are under way.
"The city and the mayor have also voiced their support," said Nordby, whose organization's funding comes in part from taxpayer dollars.
Hedeman said he could see the lot "going for as little as $80,000."
The Beckmans, who own Cannova's Italian Cuisine in Freeport, bought the lot in hopes of establishing another Cannova's entity on the Square.
"That's not on the horizon anymore," Hedeman said of the plan.
The Beckmans did not return a phone call seeking comment.