By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
For years, The Cottonpicker Restaurant was one of the Burlington area’s landmarks.
Then, in October 2012, the restaurant closed as owner Bill Foster retired, ending a 36-year run.
But now, the building that has sat empty for two years will get a makeover. The City of Burlington Plan Commission approved a certified survey map and site plan to turn the main building on the site into an office building.
Local developer Leslie Scherrer plans to divide the land into two parcels. There will be two tenants in the office building and the other outbuildings on the property will be torn down.
In its motion Tuesday night, the Plan Commission also approved extending the time from six months to nine months to tear down those buildings and remove the streetlights on the property.
The approved plans will continue a trend of development in that area. Recently, Peoples Bank announced that it would move into the former credit union building across the street from the Cotton Picker site.
Both businesses have been empty for years.
One of the main reasons for Foster’s decision to close the restaurant in 2012 was the need to hook up to city water and sewer service – at the cost of about $100,000. Foster had expected it to take 10-12 years to pay off the work, and with The Cotton Exchange still a strong entity in Waterford, decided to close The Cottonpicker.
According to comments made at the meeting Tuesday night, the developer will proceed with the utility hookup – but also asked to keep the private well functioning to provide water for the small pond on site.
City Administrator Kevin Lahner said that could happen, but the developer would need to apply for a special permit to do so.
Developer Peter Scherrer, who was also present at the meeting, said he is exited to get the property back into use.
“We’re just happy to improve a nice piece of property on the corner that is an entry to our community,” he said.
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