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Answer expected for fate of Farmer City fairgrounds
By Steve Hoffman
pantregnews@gmail.com
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FARMER CITY — After about a year and a half of discussion, the fate of the Farmer City Fairgrounds could be decided at tonight’s city council session. And there may be more than one option considered.

City Manager David Joswiak said the first vote today likely will be the land swap that has been on the table since May. Fair officials have proposed swapping the 45-acre South Park — which they own but lease to the city — along with 20 to 25 acres of land along the interstate for the city-owned fairground.

A public hearing on the proposal was held Aug. 13, but no action was taken.

“If that fails, I’m having our attorney work on a 20-year lease with provisions,” said Joswiak, who added those provisions haven’t “been nailed down yet.”

Fair officials have said they need ownership or a long-term lease to improve the fairground, but the city council has indicated they would like to have access to the land in case a developer comes calling.

Joswiak said a long-term lease would have to address concerns of both sides, and also would need a provision for the city to purchase South Park. An increase in the $1,000 a year the Fair Association pays to lease the land could be included.

A third option could result in a two-year extension of the current lease, which expires in December 2009.

Fair board spokesman Rick Corneglio said members were listening, since “our first choice by far would be to stay” at the current location.

South Park lease

In April, fair officials opted to give 60 days’ notice for the city to vacate South Park after the council refused to schedule a public hearing needed to consider a land swap. When the council reversed that in May and scheduled the hearing, the 60-day clock was paused. It has since resumed, and Corneglio said the city’s lease on the recreational site was officially up Oct. 2.

“But obviously we’re not going to do anything until after the vote,” added the fair spokesman.

Once the lease runs out, the city would be required to revert South Park to its original condition. It currently houses two ball diamonds, soccer fields, two pavilions and a cross-country bicycle track.

As for the fairground, if no agreement is reached, the fair association would be required to convert it to its original condition after the lease expires. Structures on the fairground include the Farmer City Raceway, two exposition buildings, and livestock barns.

On the possible sale of South Park, Corneglio said they would “consider reasonable offers, but first we have to figure out where we’re going to go” should the city not sell them the fairground. They have discussed the possibility of relocating the fair to South Park. Other options include moving to land they own west of Farmer City or combining with another area fair.

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Reader comments on this story - 15 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

City doesn't need either wrote on Oct 8, 2007 9:35 PM:

" The city doesn't need South Park or the fair. What I want to know is why no one is mad at the fairboard for blackmailing the town with South Park? Put a park on part of the land the fair grounds has now. Develop the other 20 acres. Once the races are gone you will see the 100 + acres around the golf course developed into homes. The increase in revenue from taxes on new homes will more than offset anything the fair or races ever did for the town. Tear it down and they will come. "

Dan Stimler wrote on Oct 8, 2007 6:21 PM:

" Farmer City needs the racetrack and they also need South park! I lived in Farmer City most of my life and these are the only two good things the city has going for them!! Don't make a big mistake that could cost the city both of these things!! Vote to save the race track and south park! It is your duty!! "

To Awesome wrote on Oct 8, 2007 5:46 PM:

" Are you kidding me?? I have stated time and time again that the races bring revenue to the city by increasing sales at local establishments! Why would you say such a thing Mr. Councilman or Mr. City Manager?? Keep the races and South park, Farmer City will never draw any buisnesses to that location anyway! I know, I lived there for 40 years+...Antiques anyone?? "

OH come on... wrote on Oct 8, 2007 5:30 PM:

" I live in a town alot smaller then you people. If you were smart you would realize there is money being made by the town. Gas stations, eating places and shops uptown benefit from people coming and going to the fair, races etc. DONT waste a good thing. If you get rid of it now how do you know you will have something better later??? You dont. By the way, Its called revenue "

Awesome wrote on Oct 8, 2007 2:50 PM:

" Save the Fair, are you kidding me? The city makes $0 dollars on it, but it is lining the pockets of the fair board. You people are geniuses. No wonder Farmer City is a city that hasn't had a winning sports team in years and their facilities are bad. Get a clue, the fairgrounds and the land it is located on is stunting the cities possible growth. "

bam wrote on Oct 8, 2007 1:28 PM:

" Both sides need to grow up and just keep things the way they've been. That way the fair can keep going and continue declining like it has for the past few years and the city can keep South Park. "

People!!! wrote on Oct 8, 2007 12:44 PM:

" Yes, "Carlton" is just trying to get your goat, and he (or she) has to be the "big one" and have the first word. Gee, you stated in other posts your house was 250???????? (see, he's just blowin smoke up yer rears). "

To FC city council wrote on Oct 8, 2007 12:03 PM:

" Please save both the fairground and south park. I like to go the races with my son and he likes to use the bmx track. He wasnt able to race this year but wants to race next year. We still go out and use it at least once a week so that he can practice. If you take away that track, I know that you will have at least 1 very sad boy. Not to mention the drinks we will buy at caseys or the lunch and/or ice cream we get from that great pizza place down town. If you get rid of the fairground and the south park, there will be no reason for me or anyone else to come to you town. Think about it!!!!!! "

NASCAR DOT INK wrote on Oct 8, 2007 11:30 AM:

" Dear Carlton We just bought your for house $350,000 ! And we are filling it up with corn. "

Dear Carlton wrote on Oct 8, 2007 11:29 AM:

" First of all my house costs more than yours, but I was unaware it gave me the right to judge people, including you, which I wont. BUT just so you know some of those late models drivers have more money in their rig and in their car and in what they do every week than you have in your little house! We also drive a $45,000 truck to those races and we are only dirty when we leave from the dust, just wanted to let you know, some of us shower before and after the races. Get a life and by the way MOVE! "

To Carlton wrote on Oct 8, 2007 10:59 AM:

" Are you for real? Or are you some poser trying to be sarcastic? If you are for real- I agree with the others...you shouldn't have built your $200,000 house in FC...go back to where you came from...and leave us small town people be. "

Save it! wrote on Oct 8, 2007 10:52 AM:

" Save the Fair!!! The Farmer City Fair means so much to so many people. It is a wonderful event that gives families an opportunity to go out together and enjoy the rich Agriculture that still is very prominent in Farmer City and DeWitt County! The race track brings in so many people! It is amazing! Many towns look for something as good as the fairgrounds that Farmer City has, and now they are wanting to destroy it! "

What! wrote on Oct 8, 2007 10:44 AM:

" I agree with just curious. I'm willing to bet the race track was there long before their house was. And I take offense to being called dirty people. I go to the races once in a while and I guarantee I am not dirty people. How dare you. "

just curious wrote on Oct 8, 2007 9:37 AM:

" Just wondering Carlton, which came first, the race track or your $200,000 house? That track has been there a lot of years. How do you know they are "dirty people"? You must belong to the "I'm better than you" club. "

Carlton wrote on Oct 8, 2007 8:15 AM:

" Close this swamp down. Bring in the bulldozers!! I so hope it is closed. It is not pleasant to sit outside on a Friday evening and have to endure pick up truck after pick up truck of dirty people passing by my $200,000 house on their way to and from the race track. "
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