Developer Tim Arthur, who owns the old pharmacy building in Cleveland, Tenn.'s historic Five Points area, has requested assistance from the city in regards to offsetting the expense of relocating a traffic pole that stands at the entrance of the building. Cleveland Utilities has proposed moving the pole into a grassy area next to the building and has estimated the project will cost $8,434.CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Developer Tim Arthur has requested the Cleveland City Council to assist him by offsetting at least some of the $8,434 in expenses associated with the relocation of a traffic pole "eyesore" that stands at the entrance of commercial property he purchased in the city's historic Five Points area.
On Monday, city officials said they wanted more information from Arthur regarding his plans for the site, a landmark which once housed a pharmacy and has been empty for many years.
"I want to help Mr. Arthur as much as I can, but I want him to show something," said Councilman Bill Estes. "We don't have to do anything today until he does something."
Arthur, who was allotted time on Monday's agenda, did not appear at the meeting. He presented his request to the Cleveland City Council in October and did not appear at a scheduled follow up discussion in mid-November.
In prior discussions, Vice Mayor Avery Johnson expressed interest in exploring what the city could do to help the developer in light of supporting downtown revitalization efforts.
The developer previously approached MainStreet Cleveland in hopes of receiving financial assistance regarding the pole's relocation, but was denied.
"While the board of directors is very supportive of renovating and rehabbing this building and any other downtown building, they felt that utility issues are out of the scope of this organization," said Sharon Marr, executive director of MainStreet Cleveland, in an Oct. 7 letter to city officials. "Once a development plan is submitted, I am sure there are many other ways that MainStreet Cleveland can assist with this project."
Arthur has not clarified his proposed use for the building, although he previously mentioned the possibility of creating apartment spaces on the site.
The traffic pole, which houses a traffic signal control cabinet, was placed there in 1993, said Tad Bacon, traffic signals coordinator with Cleveland Utilities.
The reason the pole was placed directly in front on the building entrance is unclear, he said. At the time, the responsibility of traffic signalization was not in the hands of Cleveland Utilities, and he did not have records detailing the contractor's decision, said Bacon.
"I don't know the circumstances in 1993, but today I wouldn't personally choose that location if I was installing it," he said.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.