This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Holladay • If the city of Holladay goes through with a proposed purchase of the Cotton Bottom Inn, the bar will likely stay open for a few years.
Councilman Jim Palmer, a 37-year patron of the Cotton Bottom, said during the City Council's weekly meeting Thursday that the city has "an agreement in principle" with the bar's owners to lease it back to them for at least three years until Holladay decides what to do with the property.
Mayor Rob Dahle said while the lease payment will likely not cover the monthly cost of the loan, in two to four years the city will be able to sell some property to pay down the debt.
The council chamber was almost full for the public-comment period about buying the Cotton Bottom and two adjacent parcels of land for $875,000, but only four people voiced opinions.
Three residents supported buying the .84 acres of land including the Cotton Bottom.
"I'm 100 percent behind the council," said resident David Chisholm. "Property like that only comes available once in a lifetime."
Jeff McComas, a 40-year patron of the Cotton Bottom, was the only person to speak against the purchase, saying there should be a vote on whether the city buys the property.
McComas said he is fine if the land is used for a fire station — one of the options city leaders are considering — but hopes the city will not put something like offices or high-density housing on the property.
"I think it is a county treasure where people can come together from [different] social strata and stripes, enjoy a good burger, a good beer, good conversation and it's a shame to see it go this way," he said.
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