By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – An attempt by the city of Marshfield to purchase the Baltus Express Lube property at 110 South Chestnut Avenue has hit a roadblock. The city’s Plan Commission unanimously rejected the proposal last night, after the common council signed off on the idea last week.

Development Services Director Josh Miller said the site is seen as a major piece for one of two possible uses – a future expansion of the police department, which is in need of additional storage space for vehicles and equipment, and the city has been looking at expanding the Second Street pedestrian corridor between the new library and the Steven J. Miller Recreation area; the corner lot would be in the city’s interest to control.

Miller said:

Bill Penker said he was a “no” vote because he’s never seen a specific plan for the area.

He stated:

Mayor Bob McManus said there’s no perfect plan just yet, but says the details are starting to get ironed out at various levels within the city.

The mayor said:

The city might someday expand the police department into the adjacent municipal parking lot, and the Baltus property was seen as a suitable replacement. It’s also seen as a catalyst for future redevelopment of the Second Street corridor.