Baileys Harbor residents will decide on April 20th whether or not the town should purchase the land currently housing a former hardware store and motel. Gary Nelson recently approached the Town of Baileys Harbor to purchase the property five years after shutting down the businesses along State Highway 57. The town board voted on March 25th to offer $1.95 million for the properties, which sit along Lake Michigan and includes two boat slips. Town Chair Dave Eliot says the Nelson family is willing to help finance the sale for the first six years because of the recent construction of the new Baileys Harbor Fire Station.

Eliot appreciates Nelson’s love for the community, adding that offers north of $2 million had previously been made.

The sale of the properties depends on the vote of the town’s electors, which will take place on April 20th. As of right now, Eliot says the property will be used as additional public space near its marina until residents can weigh in on other possibilities.