Saline River Properties, Johnson Control Dispute May Be Nearing End

Could the city of Saline one day have a new park on Monroe Street?

Action taken by Saline City Council might lead to the city taken control of a failed development at 232 Monroe Street.

The Saline River Properties development, which was to feature 102 condominiums, has been stalled since 2007 because of environmental contamination. Saline River Properties and Johnson Controls, which previously owned the property, have been in court ever since.

Monday night, City Attorney Scott Smith the lawsuits are nearing a settlement which could see Johnson Controls taking over the project and returning it to a park-like state, with green space. In order for that to happen, Johnson Controls requested the city release and terminate the 2007 development agreement between Saline River Properties and the city, and also allow Johnson Controls easements to accommodate the development of 232 Monroe Street.

City council voted unanimously to approve Johnson Controls’ request.

According to Smith, Johnson Controls, in the past, has deeded properties to willing communities once they are cleaned up. Smith told council that if approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, the cleanup would be completed within a year or two.

The property at 232 Monroe Street is 10 acres. This agreement does not impact other Saline River Properties, including 290 and 237 Monroe Street.

The property was contaminated by Hoover Universal Inc. Die Casting.

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