When the Providence Baptist Church decided to sell a 6.7-acre site on Westerville's southeast side, city officials were quick to make an offer. They contacted the church only 10 days after the property went on the market.
David Collinsworth, the Westerville City Manager, said the action was not a “knee-jerk” response to the availability of the property, since the Master Plan devised by the city has called for developing a park in that location for years.
Officials have not determined whether or not the buildings that currently occupy the site will be demolished, or remain standing. The structures include a residential building comprising 4,500 square feet, and a large multi-use building of 10,000 square feet.
Brad Jury, the church's senior pastor, said the property is home to many different kinds of wildlife. He said he has observed foxes, wild turkeys, blue herons, deer, and minks on the site. In Jury's opinion, developing a park on the property, in accordance with the parks and recreation plan, will honor the site's original owners, Dorothy and Maurice McVay, who are known for their charitable contributions. At one time they raised horses on the property, which also relates to the idea of keeping the area natural.
City officials might consider working with a flyer printing company on a mailer for residents, asking what they think of the plans under consideration for the site.
