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MU Board of Governors wants more information before deciding property deal
HUNTINGTON —The Marshall University Board of Governors has requested that university administration gather more information regarding proposals from Prestera Center and the Cabell County Board of Education, two entities that made formal offers Friday for the University Heights Apartments property.
According to spokesperson Bill Bissett, the Board of Governors wants to hear a report at the Sept. 12 meeting.
Cabell County Schools voted in a Friday afternoon meeting to offer $1.8 million, while Prestera Center executive director Bob Hansen said he's told Marshall officials they are willing to pay at least the appraised value of $1.7 million.
Hansen said the buildings and property would be used to consolidate its treatment programs, which includes short- and long-term residential treatment now located in the west end of Huntington.
The school board woud like to build a consolidated middle school for Enslow and Beverly Hills on the property.
Hansen, Superintendent William Smith and many others spoke at a public hearing held at the Alumni Lounge in the Memorial Student Center Friday morning, most pleading for Prestera to be awarded the deal. Smith, however said the site is more conducive to a school and that the Board of Education would try to work with Prestera for small tracts of property the board already owns.
The school board has money available, while Prestera’s offer is contingent upon a combination grant-loan made to Cincinnati Federal Home Loan Bank. A decision on the application, Hansen said, isn’t expected until November.
“They are not in a position to make a cash offer like the (Board of Education) is able to,” Smith said, adding that Prestera’s proposed use of the site is honorable.
Hansen said they are seeking in excess of $4.2 million, which would cover the acquisition of the land and about $2.5 million in renovations and remodeling to the five buildings already located on the property.
Hansen said moving all of its Huntington-based services to one location would enable them to save money and help more people.
