Porter Can Move Forward On Gas Station Talks

Putnam County Commissioners have once again given County Mayor Randy Porter approval to negotiate an easement for a Speedway Convenience Store.

The Jefferson Avenue project would include entrances and exits onto Fairgrounds Street. The county will grant an option agreement to the company valued at $3,000. Speedway has one year to exercise the easement for an additional $11,000. If the company does not, it loses the $3,000.

Commissioners approved the easement in October, but two sticking points arose according to County Attorney Jeff Jones.

First, 7-11 is buying Speedway and commissioners specifically did not want the land transferred to another company. Under the new terms, the easement will remain in place so long as the land remains a convenience store and gas station.

Second, the county must receive compensation for the easement. Jones said the two sides decided on a fair price for the option agreement to move forward.