Land sale stalled

Ledger Staff Writer

Less than two months ago, a local real estate dealer confirmed that strong negotiations were underway with an Upstate developer who wanted to convert prime property along Floyd Baker Boulevard into a commercial center.

How times have changed.

John Wall of John Wall and Associates Realty said talks involving the sale of the 23.8-acre Winnie Webb-Hamrick property have stalled. The asking price is $1.4 million.

“I’m disappointed,” he said. “I’m still having weekly inquiries about the property but there is no contract to sell and nothing is imminent.”

Wetlands on the site and other topography concerns have cooled interest in the property, he said. But the biggest stumbling block to a deal has become an estimated $210,000 in rollback taxes on the property, according to Wall.

In October, sources close to the deal said a developer was close to a deal to either build a shopping center or sell off portions of the property as outparcels.

At the time, Wall said the deal could be finalized by early 2005.