COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Development is awarding $841,635 to Richland County in funding from the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program to tear down properties at three local addresses.
According to the state, two of those properties are in downtown Mansfield, at 80 Marion Ave. and 120 N. Diamond St. The third property is near Mock Road; 1312 Bellville Johnsonville Road in Bellville.
In total, the state is awarding Ohio Department of Development is awarding $67.3 million in funding from the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program to tear down 1,277 blighted structures in Butler, Clinton, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Logan, Lucas, Muskingum, Preble, and Richland counties.
Richland County Land Reutilization Corporation
The demolition of a downtown Mansfield building several years ago led to the discovery of two underground storage caverns.
As part of this new project, one of the caverns, which has caved in and is an extreme hazard, will be demolished.
Upon completion of the project, the space will be converted into downtown parking.
Demolition awards to create redevelopment opportunities
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik made the announcement Wednesday.
More than 1,000 vacant, dilapidated buildings will be demolished to make room for new economic development in nine Ohio counties.
“These buildings are standing in the way of progress, so it’s time to knock them down,” DeWine said. “Once these structures are gone, we expect to see new economic development opportunities coming into these neighborhoods.”
“These funds will enable our communities to turn forgotten properties into valuable assets that contribute to the modern economy,” Husted aid. “This is an investment in the future of Ohio.”