Marion Sports Authority has entered into an exclusive agreement with Pennsylvania developer James O'Connor to sell land for a project at Ind. 18 and Interstate 69.
The option agreement states MSA will sell 12 acres for $50,000. The county has the land appraised around $200,000, Craig Persinger, MSA vice president said.
"That is a steep sale price," he said. "The discount relates we are trying to be a good partner to the city. It is landlocked and wouldn't be the most liquid."
Authority members would not discuss details of the proposed development. MSA, which shares an address with city hall in state business records, sought to develop a sports and entertainment complex centered on an ice arena on the property being sold.
MSA met Friday morning to discuss the option.
O'Connor paid MSA the first $15,000 on Dec. 3.
"He shows good faith by writing the check," Jim Brunner, MSA president, said.
The option agreement states O'Connor has six months, ending June 1, to pay the remaining $35,000.
The $35,000 would then go to the Boys and Girls Club as a donation by MSA.
Julie Cline, Boys and Girls Club chief professional officer, said the contribution would significantly help the nonprofit.
"This could change the game for us," she said. "This could provide school programs and a long term savings plan for us. We are really appreciative Marion Sports Authority thought of us. We are blessed that the community is looking out for us and understands our mission."
If O'Connor doesn't exercise the option he will lose the $15,000.
Persinger said if O'Connor doesn't finish the payment MSA will still be in possession of the land and then give it to Boys and Girls club.
Cline declined to comment on what the land would be used for if the Boys and Girls Club received it.
During the meeting Persinger said the $15,000 along with about $4,000 already in the MSA account will be used to pay for the nearly $16,000 they owe on taxes. He said that would be done as soon as possible.
As for O'Connor's plan for the project, Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold said it would be an entertainment center.
"There are a lot of other things that's part of that deal," Seybold said.
He said later this month a meeting will be held to discuss it in further detail.
"We are not just about sports and entertainment," he said. "We help the local community."
MSA members said they plan to dissolve the organization after the agreement, but that was not voted on Friday.
"We are hanging around until June 1 for it to play it out," Brunner said.