The Amenity Authority Committee is one major step closer to purchasing the former home of the First Baptist Church on County Road 42 in Marion County.
The AAC is purchasing the building, which now serves as a fellowship hall, and a total of 19 acres.
“This is an exciting morning,” District Manager Janet Tutt said at Wednesday morning’s AAC meeting.
She presented the contract for purchase of the church, which the AAC approved unanimously.
The price is $2 million.
The purchase of the property has been motivated by a cry for additional recreation facilities from residents of Community Development District 4.
“The District has been looking at this property for several years,” said AAC attorney Scott Gerken.
He said he has been working with Marion County officials and has been assured that recreational facilities can be located on the property.
The contract includes a lengthy due diligence period.
AAC member Don Deakin pointed out that construction wouldn’t begin for at least a year.
“I want people to know that we’re still a long way away from shovels going into the ground,” Deakin said.
