Batavia planning $1.25 million downtown land buy

Batavia would pay $1.25 million for the Larson-Becker Co. factory at 106-118 N. River St., under a measure the city council is scheduled to vote on Tuesday night.

According to a memo in the council's meeting packet, the city would use the site's parking lots to provide temporary parking during the construction of the planned One North Washington Place development a block away.

The One North Washington proposal calls for more than 180 apartments, plus retail space.

As part of the project, a public parking garage at River and State streets would be demolished, and a new parking garage for the public and apartment residents would be built.

Owners of businesses on North River told aldermen last week they worry there won't be enough parking during construction or once people move into the apartments.

City documents state the city could pay for the Larson-Becker purchase with money in the fund for tax increment financing district 1, or by lending money to the TIF 1 from other city funds.

Opened in 1945, the Larson-Becker Co. sells well and pump equipment.

In 2015, Old Second National Bank filed a foreclosure action on the property.

The company also was sued last year by the estate of Jack Roeser, leading to a judgment for $214,846 recorded against the property.

A $42,547 judgment was entered as a result of a separate lawsuit.

City documents do not state what ultimately would happen to the Larson-Becker business if the purchase occurs, but indicate that it would be able to stay rent-free in the building until February.

The council meets at 7:30 p.m. at the Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave.