COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Coldwater Community Services Director and Assistant City Manager Keith Baker told the Downtown Development Authority Wednesday that the next chapter in the saga of the former Gillespie Funeral Home will take place next month. That’s when all of the parties involved will have a conference call ahead of an appeals hearing in September following last months 3-3 vote by the Coldwater Historic District Commission on whether or not to demolish the 1920 building.
The April tie vote came after an administrative law judge in Lansing ordered the H.D.C. to reconsider its decision to deny the demolition of the building. Southern Michigan Bank and Trust bought the building during an auction last July with the purpose of tearing it down and putting in a park.
Baker says there likely will not be any additional news on the matter until after the September hearing. If the state affirms the H.D.C. decision, then the bank could appeal through the courts. But if the H.D.C. decision is overturned, then the bank will be able to proceed with its plans.
The Coldwater Downtown Development Authority board decided last December to support the banks efforts.
Also on Wednesday, Howard Taylor was recognized for his 33 years of service to the D.D.A. Board. Taylor and his wife Lola are retiring after operating Taylor’s Stationers in downtown Coldwater for 44 years.
