It appears that the time for local officials to fish or cut bait on the idea of purchasing the Farmland fertilizer plant property east of Lawrence is fast approaching.

A buyer has been found for much of the plant’s fertilizer production equipment, and the company says it hopes to start removing structures by April. In the meantime, Farmland, which filed for bankruptcy protection in May 2002, is negotiating with other parties interested in purchasing more equipment or perhaps the site itself.

Some buyers are seeking only equipment, officials said, but Farmland also has been approached by developers who want to purchase the property with some of the equipment still on it with the idea of salvaging and removing the equipment to clear the way for real estate development.

Lawrence and Douglas County officials have said they are interesting in purchasing the property on Kansas Highway 10 and, perhaps with the assistance of a public-private partnership, developing the area in a mix of greenspace, residential and industrial uses. Such a project could provide badly needed new sites for business growth along with open spaces for the community.

There seems to be little doubt this property will be in high demand, although it will be an expensive acquisition. City and county officials and other potential buyers had feared the costs of cleaning up after the fertilizer production facility would be prohibitive, but state environmental officials now say that task will be “very manageable.” Farmland also has posted a bond of about $483,000 to cover future costs of the cleanup.

One of the advantages of the city and/or county purchasing this property is that it would allow them to control how this prime site at one of the city’s main entries is developed. The 467-acre site would be a wonderful opportunity to provide room for the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds to grow and for new businesses to locate or expand. If the city or county is unable or unwilling to purchase the property, planners should do their best through zoning and other regulations to make sure the property is developed in a way that benefits the community and enhances this eastern entry to the city.

It’s great to see county and city officials are dreaming and working on how the Farmland property might be acquired and what would be the best use of the land. It’s good to know they are thinking creatively about the sizable and well-located tract.