The Wayland Board of Educa
tion Monday evening put potential buyer Steve Austin and Leighton Township on notice that the schools will not stand in the way of the proposed purchase of the old Moline Elementary School.
The schools plan to take in just over $70,000 for the sale of the dilapidated old school building, which has been closed since 2003, and 8.6 acres of property. About three of 8.6 acres will be purchased by Leighton Township for a third softball field and recreation.
Leighton will pay more than $24,000 for the property and Austin about $45,600 for the building and remaining 5.6 acres. Austin plans to repair and remodel the building into a recreational vehicle repair business and eventually move in make it also a residence.
Time is of the essence because Austin says he wants to repair the roof before the snow flies. The school board promises to take up a proposed purchase agreement at its work session Oct. 26.
The extra softball field will benefit the Moline Fast-Pitch Association, which will contribute about $4,000 to the township and has promised to take care of maintenance, mowing and upkeep.
Supervisor Steve Deer called the entire operation a winner for the township, Wayland Union schools, the Moline Softball Association, the Moline community and Austin.
Ken Ritz, representing the association, told the Township Board last week Moline’s facility attracts people from all over the state to come and play or watch, so there is no question the land would be used. He likened it to the township buying park land, insisting it’s already used by families for picnics, softball practice and other recreation.
Reacting to the proposed sale, Board of Education Trustee Pete Zondervan said, “I’d like to get that thing (the deal) rolling.
Trustee Gary Wood added, “I’m happy we seem to have something in place for the Moline school and land to continue to be used as it has.”
Austin said he is a softball fan and is happy to help make the Moline Softball Association continue to be successful.
The township will split the cost of a survey with the school district and split closing costs with Austin. Otherwise, the original figure was $24,418 for Leighton and $45,482 for Austin to be paid to Wayland schools.
Austin is co-owner of Happy Camper Mobile RV Service and Retro Rentals of Caledonia with his wife, Shelly. They do all phases of repair and restoration for campers, motor homes and vintage campers. They also restore vintage campers for Retro Rentals.
The Austins would like to remodel the old elementary building into a combination business and residence.
The Township Board, Planning Commission and Moline residents have indicated they would be pleased to have the building saved rather than razed.
Leighton officials have promised they can work out rezoning considerations for a residence and commercial building mixed use.
