MANSFIELD — The Richland County Land Bank board had preliminary discussions Wednesday about the possibility of acquiring a dilapidated storefront in downtown Plymouth.
Land bank manager Amy Hamrick asked the board to consider whether or not to take on the Plymouth Hotel, at 26 Trux Street. According to Hamrick, the Village of Plymouth has wanted the land bank to acquire the property and demolish the structure for years. The owner of the property expressed willingness to donate it a few months ago.
A vehicle recently crashed into the storefront, adding to the building’s existing complications.
“Over the weekend someone decided to, you know, help us out with the demolition and ran a car into the back corner of the building,” Hamrick joked during a virtual board meeting. “Right now it is secure, but it could very well crumble and fall.”
Hamrick added the land bank would need to hire a structural engineer to assist with writing up the demolition plans, due to a shared wall with an adjoining storefront.
“During the demolition process, there would have to be a lot of extra things done to support the wall,” she said.
Board members had differing opinions on whether or not the land bank should get involved.
Jeff Parton, vice chair of the board, argued that demolition costs should be the responsibility of the owner, and felt the land bank shouldn’t bear sole financial responsibility without securing federal funding or help from the village.
The board ultimately voted to get an estimate on how much it would cost to hire a structural engineer and then make a final decision.
Richland County Commissioner Marilyn John stated that if the land bank was willing to shoulder the significant costs of Swan Cleaners in Mansfield, then the Plymouth building was worth consideration.
“I know that we’re going to consider it down the road, but I just think consideration needs to be given across the entire county. Plymouth is in Richland County, just like Mansfield,” she said. “I just want to keep that same mindset when we’re talking about any properties or any projects like this, all around the county.”
In relation to the Swan Cleaners property, the land bank board voted to award contracts of $7,427 to Alpine Electric Inc. and $71,580 to the Adena Corporation to handle electrical needs and structural damage, respectively.
Hamrick also shared the possible impact that COVID-19 could have on the land bank. Foreclosures and sheriff’s sales have been put on hold, so the land bank will have fewer opportunities to acquire properties in the near future.
Hamrick also anticipates a slowdown in funding, since city income will drop and state and federal funding has been put on hold. Next year’s delinquent tax and assessment collection (DTAC) funds will likely be lower than normal, since late fees and penalties incurred during the pandemic will be forgiven.
Land bank chair Bart Hamilton said he isn’t concerned about the potential reduction in funding.
“We’ve got some money in the bank,” he said. “We’re OK.”
While land bank acquisitions may slow in the future, large projects such as Swan Cleaners and the former dry cleaners on Glessner Avenue will continue.
