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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615159967319.jpeg" alt="Vacant lots in 900 block of North Washington" />
 <figcaption>Vacant lots in 900 block of North Washington</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City Commissioners this past week approved the sale of vacant lots and an adjacent city parking lot in the 900 block of North Washington Street to Todd Godfrey. The total sales price was $35,000.Information provided to city officials for their consideration indicated Godfrey would allow daily public use of the parking lot and would only restrict parking as necessary for events to be held at a newly constructed business on the empty lots. Godfrey stated his focus remains on building a new eating establishment with an outdoor event venue that would allow for music and entertainment to be part of the new business and would be an anchor to the revitalization efforts. Godfrey added it would be a restaurant or multiple restaurants in the heart of downtown, and there would be a look at construction of a microbrewery to be built with possibly an indoor event center for medium gatherings and an outside event venue&nbsp; as well with elevated seating on three sides.&nbsp; He already owns multiple other existing businesses across the street in the 900 block of North Washington.Commissioner moved Tim Brown believed this project is an opportunity to put it back on the tax rolls. He made the motion to authorize the sale. "Let's face it folks, there's not a lot of other stuff going on down there and I think this is a real opportunity. "Commissioner Pat Landes said he had no question that Godfrey would do well. But he also had other concerns. " I just wonder is it too soon." Landes added he was aware&nbsp; that the City would not get their $520,000 investment in the property back and referred to the Main Street group, asking whether that designation received by the City would bring grant opportunities. "I don't know. Then now this one's already gone. This will be off the table. Commissioners approved the sale 4-1.According to information provided by City staff, the property was purchased by the City from multiple sellers between 1999 and 2007 for a total of $519,400. It was bought by the City with the intent to raze the existing dwellings and develop a visitor's center, economic development office and chamber of commerce office.

City Commission approves sale of vacant lots and nearby parking lot