Cloverdale Council approves archeology study as part of town grant application

CLOVERDALE -- At a special session last Saturday the Cloverdale Town Council voted to approve Pioneer Consulting to perform an archeological study for the town.

The study is a part of a grant application to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

If approved, the $600,000 grant would be used to help repair and replace part of the town's sewer system. Cloverdale would have to match 10 percent or $60,000 of the funds the town receives from such a grant. "These studies are required as a part of the grant process," said Lori Young of Robert Curry & Associates, who is working with the city on the project.

The study would determine if any archeological sites exist around a construction. If a site is found to be archeologically significant then further excavation may need to occur.

At the same meeting Town Attorney Allan Yackey brought up the ownership of the former dance studio at 13 Main St.

"Something needs to be done," Yackey said. "It's going to collapse. Our building inspector told us that he's concerned that if we have a wet snow this winter that the roof may fall in because the timbers supporting it are gone. Just rotted away."

The studio's current owner, Nathan McCain bought the property at a tax sale. He has offered to give the deed to the building to the city or a charitable trust once he has access to it on Nov. 1.

Yackey said just to stabilize the building would cost $10,000 to $20,000. Stabilizing the building would be necessary if the city takes up ownership, because of liability concerns.

Board member Terry Puffer said the town doesn't have the money for a basic stabilization. No action was taken, as this was the first discussion of the property.

addition to the story: The Archeology study will cost $900.