Council Votes to Develop Metlox Pottery Site

Despite opposition from many residents, the City Council has voted to move ahead with plans to develop the former site of the Metlox Pottery factory, a three-acre swath of prime downtown property.

Although many residents voiced concerns that they were not included in the decision-making process, and several pages of signed petitions were presented at the meeting Tuesday, the council voted unanimously to seek proposals from four development firms for the future of the site.

“It’s a very expensive piece of property,” said Councilwoman Joan Jones, who presented the commercial development proposal. “And to forgo the income we could derive from the site is an extremely costly option.”

Many residents at the meeting objected to the idea of a commercial mall. “Some wanted a park, a roller-blading stadium or a baseball field, others wanted a library or a cultural arts center,” Jones said. “All of that would not provide a lot of revenue for the city. They would create expenses.”

The city purchased the site nearly a year ago for $5 million. A community meeting with the four development firms to discuss ideas for the site is scheduled for July 27.