Meta Rose tenants pay rent to Wasilla

WASILLA — In its most recent foray into the field of property management, the city of Wasilla stands to make nearly $86,000 from the leases at the Meta-Rose Square during the fiscal year 2010.

Over that same period, which ends June 30, the city will spend almost $49,000 on building maintenance. The city purchased the downtown shopping center in December with the intent of using it for some sort of civic purpose.

However, the city is giving the existing retail tenants more than a year to vacate the property. This means the city is acting as landlord until after the end of 2010.

Public Works Director Archie Giddings said the city has always maintained its buildings, but this is the first with retail space.

Part of the deal to purchase the Meta-Rose Square was a requirement to include the Meta-Rose name with the Wasilla Public Library. The new name, even while it is in its existing location, is the Wasilla Meta-Rose Public Library.

There is a special meeting on Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. to discuss matters related to the library.

—Todd L. Disher