Library still weighing sale of property and drilling

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After rejecting two offers on a Fairfield Township property, the James V. Brown Library board agreed Thursday to keep its options open while exploring the site's potential for income from natural gas.

Two buyers are interested in the property donated to the library by Eleanor Meier.

The plot is appraised at $285,000, according to the board.

"I will go back and tell them we are still up in the air on what to do," board president William E. Nichols said.

When Nichols talks to the board's Realtor, Fish Real Estate, suggested questions were put forth by board member John M. Confer.

"Is there any assurance from the purchaser that they're not going to develop the land?" Confer said. "You could get mineral rights, but it (development) lessens the value of that."

Filling the land with houses and other buildings would inhibit drilling potential, according to Confer.

It is unknown if a stream of income could be derived from drilling on the property.

One offer was for $200,000 and would have split the mineral and gas rights between the buyer and the library. Another was for $285,000, but the buyer would keep the mineral and gas rights.

Board member Dr. Kathleen R. Kelley, superintendent of the Williamsport Area School District, recommended that the library keep its options open.

"We shouldn't rush into anything," she said. "We should get all the board members here and have a better discussion."