Sharpsville council Monday night formally condemned a Walnut Street property so the borough can take it by eminent domain for a parking lot and a covered bus stop.

Council voted 5-to-1 to enact an immediate ordinance to condemn the property owned by Richard Foltz of Sharon, and take it through eminent domain, the process that allows municipalities to obtain land for public use.

Councilman Thomas Lally cast the lone no vote, saying he wasn't comfortable passing the ordinance without Solicitor Joseph Joseph present.

Council plans to build a 24-space parking lot with financial help from Dr. Matthew Joseph, who bought the former Walnut Street Lodge next to Foltz's property. Joseph, who is the solicitor's brother, had approached council for help in developing parking near his building.

He plans to move his chiropractic practice into the building and has had inquiries from several businesses interested in leasing space -- a hair salon, a day-care center and a women's spa. Although Joseph plans to contribute money toward building the $30,000 parking lot, anyone would be able to park there and the borough would own it.

Plans are also under way for a bus shelter at the front of the lot for people waiting for Mercer County Transit.

A 1998 attempt to develop parking behind the lodge failed. That year, when council considered selling part of the borough parking lot, 100 residents signed a petition to keep it intact.

Mercer County Regional Planning Commission has done a preliminary study to determine what areas of the borough need parking the most. A final study is still in the works.

Council President Jack Cardwell said Monday the preliminary study includes suggestions on areas of the borough that need parking; council must decide which it likes best.

Cardwell said he isn't sure when work will begin on the parking lot, but said the solicitor will give the go-ahead. The tenants who were living in the house have moved, he said.

Foltz, who did not attend Monday's meeting and couldn't be reached for comment afterward, is being offered the appraised value of the property. A preliminary appraisal set the value between $35,000 and $40,000.