Shane W Potter

SLIPPERY ROCK — Borough council voted unanimously to enter an agreement of sale with Great Living LLC for the grass lot at 100 S. Main St. at a meeting Tuesday, May 6.

According to borough manager Christian Laskey, council agreed to a price of $250,000 for the lot. The new owners are looking to develop a “multistory mixed-use residential/commercial building,” Laskey said.

Great Living LLC is owned by Jerry Oliver, who also owns Oliver Outdoor and several other real estate businesses. Council members said they were familiar with Oliver’s other work and were pleased with his plans for the property.

At the April 1 meeting, council denied NexTier Bank CEO Clem Rosenberger, who offered $300,000 and the current bank property located along Main Street. He said he wanted to develop a small location with a drive-through on the lot. Council declined the offer due to legal concerns and confidence in their decision.

Councilwoman Alexandra Franco Tuten said she was originally opposed to any development on the lot, but council decided in a vote to move forward with a sale. Then, her priorities shifted to making sure the feeling of Main Street is preserved.

“So, rather than having a bank with one or two employees, it would be a space where people would come either to a restaurant or a boutique or offices or all of it together,” Tuten said. “(Oliver’s) structures tend to go with the flow of what’s already there instead of something totally out of character.”

Now that the agreement was passed, the borough has entered a 75-day due diligence period with Great Living. This period gives them time to review the property before the sale is completely finalized.

The lot is at the intersection of Main and New Castle streets. It has been frequently used by the borough for community events and served as the spot for the town’s Christmas tree.