1. AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION & REVITALIZATION
JACKSONVILLE 2017
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR
HISTORIC PRESERVATION & REVITALIZATION

2. Exxon Mobil Properties for Sale

3. Brief History of Jacksonville in the Era of Exxon Mobil 1984-2005
Contamination and Clean Up
Mobil Oil station had several gas leaks
1984 NYS DEC tests & requires Mobil Oil to clean up
1988 Mobil Oil cleans up & purchases properties
2000 Exxon Mobil demolishes all houses except Church
2004 Public Water extended from Town of Ithaca WD3
2005 DEC case closed after acceptable follow-up testing

4. PLANNING, OPPORTUNITY & RESEARCH
Town adopts Comprehensive Plan based on community input that includes goals to:
* preserve historic structures
* revitalize Jacksonville
Supervisor Thomas follows up on JCA attempts to contact Exxon
Mobil (EMOC) to repair/protect/ preserve church
Exxon Mobil expresses interest in divesting itself of properties
Town & EMOC discuss options and start research on spill & condition of church and soils on all parcels
EMOC decides to sell properties; considers no/low cost sale to Town
Town conducts environmental assessment & more tests; negotiates for parcels, price, terms and conditions
Town considers acquisition after reviewing public benefits and risks

5. Due Diligence Investigations- Reports on Website
Research on all EMOC sites
2013
Requested & reviewed DEC documents on spill/ clean up
Reviewed JCA archives of events
2014
Town asked EMOC re-test soils on all properties. Testing done 9/14
2015
Town received soil test results via NYS DEC
Town asks for expert analysis from NYS DEC and NYS Department of Health to review findings
Town seeks guidance from national non-profit on risks/benefits of acquiring properties
2016
Town hired independent environmental contractor to do Phase I Environmental Assessment
Evaluation of Old Church
2014
EMOC paid for structural evaluation of building
EMOC paid for a 2nd opinion & estimate from regional expert to stabilize structure
Sought advice from historic preservation experts re: conditions and potential
2016
Sought informal estimates re: costs to stabilize to assess financial feasibility
Visited the structure with experts to assess conditions
Town’s environmental consultant recommended asbestos study, paid for by EMOC. Results received 9/16

6. WHAT WILL the TOWN GET?
After many different approaches, negotiations resulted in a proposed contract that includes a single low price of $5,001 for a package of 3 parcels
* Assessed at a total of taxable value of $84,700
* Valued at $170,500 on the open market
The Old Church Jacksonville Rd to preserve historic structure
The adjacent parcel at Jville Rd for Church septic and parking
1853 Tburg Rd. for possible housing, business, park & ride, or other uses permitted by zoning
Assurance that EMOC retains responsibility for DEC Spill No DEC would hold EMOC responsible if new problems arise from old spill.

7. The “Old Church” 5020 Jacksonville Road
Photo from 1983 Historic Building Inventory
Photo from April 2017

8. Key Points about Old Church
Built 1827 as Methodist Episcopal Church
Moved to current location in 1898
Greek Revival as public building is unique
Last used as a home & store
Structurally sound, despite neglect
Asbestos found in exterior paint, bathroom tile & roof caulking
Lot is too small for septic/parking unless combined with another parcel
Preservation of exterior will be required by deed restriction

9. 5036 Jacksonville Rd Adjacent to 5020 Jacksonville Road- Old Church
Provides space for septic system & parking for Old Church
To be joined with 5020 to be sold as package with Old Church

10. 1853 Trumansburg Road Open lot across Post Office on Rt 96
Comprehensive Plan of 2009 calls for Jacksonville Revitalization
Revitalization uses could include:
Re-sale of parcel for Housing
Re-sale for Business use
Park & Ride lot
Other uses allowed by zoning
Zoning Update is underway and will invite community input on land use.

11. Key agreements in current & future contracts
Town agrees to accept properties “AS IS” with knowledge of prior contamination. All documents are on file at Town.
Town agrees not to sue EMOC. If future clean up is needed, DEC will hold EMOC accountable directly.
If approved for purchase and re-sale, Town would add to the Old Church deed a covenant to preserve the exterior (Interior can be changed for allowable zoning purpose)

12. Development Restrictions in Deeds
No Agriculture or Groundwater Use (Public water available)
No Sub-surface use to avoid accumulation of hydrocarbons from soil, if any (ie. No basements)
Excavation IS allowed for water & septic hook up, geo-thermal
Impervious liners or Vapor Barriers to prevent migration of hydrocarbon vapors or liquids from soil, if any (Like Radon measures)
Slab on grade building required - no underground living spaces

13. Are the Properties Safe to Re-Develop?
YES
NYS Department of Health stated the parcels are safe for re-development based on:
Reviewing the spill and clean up history
Reviewing recent soil test results
Reviewing proposed restrictions and possible future uses

14. WHAT’S NEXT, if APPROVED
Sign Contracts & Purchase Properties- late May
Select realtor to find buyers for Old Church & adjacent parcel willing to honor the deed restriction requiring historic preservation
Solicit bids from contractors to:
Fix roof
Clean up inside
Screen foundation
Insure properties and assure lawn maintenance until sold
(If not sold before Fall, Town will assure that building is secure)
Income from re-sale will help offset costs of purchase and repairs
Future use of 1853 Trumansburg Rd to be determined by zoning & future discussion

15. QUESTIONS?
Should we proceed?
COMMENTS?
Thank You!