Bidding continues on West Lafayette property

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Bidding over a piece of land in West Lafayette continued Tuesday. Right now the 2020 North Salisbury Street property is owned by the city. After residents spoke out about Metronet's bid all bids were taken under advisement by the West Lafayette Board of Works.

"The Board of Works members would not want this right next to their house," West Lafayette resident Vijay Bhatia said. "In the future when someone comes to buy my property and there is a comparable property that doesn't have [a fiber optic hub] next to it which one do you think they'll pick?"

Bhatia has lived next to the property for 40 years. He is so passionate, he is bidding against Metronet.

Bids reached more than $27,000 before the board took them under advisement.

If Metronet were to get the property representatives said they would build a small, shed-like structure to act as a hub for different fiber optic lines.

West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis said the area is too small for a residential home. He said Metronet's idea is a locigal use for the space.

"We're looking at a practical use for that property," Dennis said. "We're looking at something that will assist us with economic development, and the high-speed fiber will."

"I would like to see it stay as it is, or have a small park built on it," Bhatia said.

Other residents who spoke out against selling Metronet the land agree with Bhatia. They said it's a perfect spot for a park.

Mayor Dennis said it may be too dangerous next to the busy Salisbury Street. However, representatives from Metronet said they hear neighbors' concerns.

They plan to keep all existing trees on the property, and add more. They hope they will blend well in the residential area.

"We come in by not only being good neighbors to the neighborhood, but we want to be good neighbors to the whole community with the services we provide," Metronet Consultant Steve Biggerstaff said.

Bhatia is still not convinced.

"Technology keeps changing," Bhatia said. "One day we will have this and tomorrow we'll have a big tower over there. This is a residential neighborhood."

Bids will be received next week.