Historical Fixer-Upper for Sale

            In the 1950’s, the Norcross House and its surrounding properties were home to the first swimming pool and skating rink in the City of Greeley. But these days, the old amusement properties located on 2nd St. have run dry and instead of smiling faces the buildings are in desperate need of repair.            

            Even though the Norcross House and Warnoco building, have historic value in Greeley, the properties are currently in a state of disrepair that the City of Greeley cannot afford. Therefore, the city has decided to sell the historical sites to Greeley business owner, James Emmett.

            In the 90’s the City of Greeley purchased the Norcross House and converted the property into office space. But the Norcross House is an old farmhouse and the frame, windows, and floors have become outdated and the house is lacking a full bathroom.

            Sadly, Warnoco skating rink is in an even worse state. The Warnoco building‘s structural state was altered in 2010, when the city had to tear down part of the building because it was uninhabitable.

            The city has estimated that the annual repair costs for the two properties ranges from $16,000-$20,000. And if the city were to renovate the properties, it would cost upwards of $60,000.

            Originally when the city decided to sell the historical sites, they attempted to find a non-profit organization to take over but they were unsuccessful.

           But Emmett has contributed to renovations throughout the city. And according to city council member Donna Sapienza, Emmett plans to renovate the properties for residential and industrial uses.

            “This is a long term project for Mr. Emmett. There is no better person that could have purchased the property,” Sapienza said.

            As Emmett takes on the renovations for this historical fixer-upper, Sapienza has high hopes that this diamond in the rough will sparkle again one day.

Photo courtesy of Google Images.

And the mayor has it

            For some students at The University of Northern Colorado, the Greeley city elections are hardly something to get excited over. However, this year a bear of our own has decided to take on the city elections in full force.

            Nick True decided to run against current Mayor, Tom Norton, just a few months ago. True graduated from UNC in 2008 and has been perusing a teaching career in Greeley ever since.

            True’s campaign evolves around a number of ideas, including integrating the university and city culture, continuing downtown development and supporting local arts and music. As well as helping bring life back into the city of Greeley.

            “I would vote for him,” senior audiology major Karie Walter said. “ It’s cool that a former student and someone in their 20’s is up for the task of being mayor.”           

            Although True’s confidence seems unwavering and his campaign is inspiring, he may not meet the standard needed to hold the seat of the Greeley mayor.             According to the U.S. Census Buro, Greeley has one of the highest poverty rates in the state at about 21 percent. In a recent article in The (Greeley) Tribune, the test scores of school district 6 were highlighted because more test scores are decreasing than increasing. And even though the crime rate has been dropping in recent years, the Greeley crime rate is still higher than the national average.

            “I would like to see the mayor and school board focus on bridging the language gap in district 6. The necessary professionals and translators will help test scores improve,” senior education major Liz Blascoe said.

            Unfortunately for True, these kinds of issues take more than confidence to address. Greeley mayor and candidate Tom Norton is running for his second term. And if his previous term wasn’t enough experience, Mayor Norton has been a resident of Greeley for over 45 years.

            Mayor Norton has also been married to UNC’s President Kay Norton for over 35 years. The powerhouse couple has been able to work together on improving the university and Greeley relationship for years. Mayor Norton also has an extensive background career in politics and the Colorado government

            “I work in the president’s office on campus and I have come to know the Norton family on a more personal level. They are all great people and that is why I voted to re-elect mayor Norton,” senior criminal justice major Karli Cobb said.

            Going into the election this morning Mayor Norton was reported to be the favorite. The election results are being updated online for citizens and those involved in the election to stay up to date. And although True had some good ideas, as of about an hour ago Mayor Norton had almost triple as many votes as True.

            Even though not all of the results are in, it is probably safe to wish True better luck next time.